modicum

noun

mo·di·cum ˈmä-di-kəm

also ˈmō-

Synonyms of modicum next

: a small portion : a limited quantity

had only a modicum of mathematical skills

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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.

Examples of modicum in a Sentence

only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

That a person with even a modicum of self-awareness would submit to such a floridly craven, histrionically insecure practice is, to me, shocking. —

Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 The hard rubber tires are not pneumatic, but when ridden, deliver a modicum of cushion and a lot of grip. —

William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 The severe damage to the West Bank economy caused by those policies directly undermines what security officials see as their ability to maintain a modicum of order since Palestinian unemployment and immiseration only increase the likelihood of violence. —

Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024 After much debate and delay, lawmakers finally passed legislation on Nov. 1, 2023, to provide at least a modicum of verification. —

Eye On Michigan, Detroit Free Press, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modicum