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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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.
But Warner Bros. doesn’t care whether a sequel has any modicum of staying power.
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026
It might have lifted the Rams’ spirits a modicum.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026
Bonds could provide jittery investors with a modicum of safety and income as well.
From Barron's ● Mar. 3, 2026
At least not without a modicum of heartbreak.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 23, 2025
“You will help, won’t you? The girl doesn’t have the decency to show even the tiniest modicum of sorrow for her actions.”
From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
