modicum
noun
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The Origins of Modicum Can Be Found in the Bathroom
What does modicum have to do with a toilet? It just so happens that modicum shares the same Latin parent as commode, which is a synonym of toilet. Modicum and commode ultimately derive from the Latin noun modus, which means "measure." (We borrowed the noun commode from the French, who also used the word as an adjective meaning "suitable, convenient.") Modicum, which, logically enough, refers to a small "measure" of something, has been a part of the English language since the 15th century. It descends from the Latin modicus ("moderate"), which is itself a descendant of modus. Modus really measures up as a Latin root—it also gave us mode (originally a kind of musical "measure"), modal, model, modern, modify, and modulate. More distant relatives include mete, moderate, and modest.
Synonyms
Examples of modicum in a Sentence
Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024
Resilience, moxie, elevated emotional intelligence, and experiential learning, coupled with curiosity, eagerness to learn, and a modicum of intelligence are a solid foundation upon which to build digital talent.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
But even a modicum of diplomatic success on that one front won’t resolve flash points on others—or the core tensions that have once again made the Middle East the most volatile corner of the world.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024
Those rear seats are plenty comfortable, even offering a modicum of lateral support.
—Tim Stevens, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2024
Gunn adeptly exercises a necessary modicum of visual dexterity to emphasize character drive.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024
Another noteworthy element is that the doctor-patient relationship already has leakage or contains a modicum of in-the-middle factors in the sense that there is at times third-party involvement on the part of the patient.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
Nova Wav has experienced this themselves, in an industry where women often have to work twice as hard to achieve a modicum of success as their male peers.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Dec. 2023
Whereas most pop songs utilize at least a modicum of gloss to conceal the thirstiest elements of the human condition, this thing sounded like it was shot full of caffeine and truth serum.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Modicum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modicum. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
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modicum
noun
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