modicum
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of modicum
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin, noun use of neuter of modicus “moderate,” equivalent to modi-, combining form of modus limit ( see mode 1) + -cus adjective suffix
Explanation
If you want to describe a small amount of something, try modicum. If you have a modicum of interest in something, you are a little bit interested. Modicum comes from the Latin modicus, for moderate, and modus, for measure. We often use it to mean "any at all," as if "If you had a modicum of sense (i.e. any sense at all), you'd be able to see that the pencil you've spent the last five minutes looking for is tucked behind your ear."
Vocabulary lists containing modicum
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Only “WNBA,” with its narcotic synths and modicum of hooks, invites repeated plays.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026
That would require the film to be conceived, shot and edited with even a modicum of foresight.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026
Given a modicum of hope, there’s always room to make matters worse.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2026
Yes, traders may be overweight the sector, and parts are richly valued in terms of price-to-earnings multiples, but such factors have caused only a modicum of exposure reduction by investors so far.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 2, 2026
She just expected a modicum of mutual respect from those she taught.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
