scintilla
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of scintilla
1685–95; < Latin: spark
Explanation
It might take more than a scintilla of English vocabulary knowledge to know that scintilla means a tiny bit of something. Scintilla is a long word for describing a tiny thing. It comes sandwiched between the words a and of in phrases like “a scintilla of doubt” or “not a single scintilla of evidence.” If you’re uncertain of the pronunciation, remember: it rhymes with chinchilla and the c is silent, just like in science. Similar words you can use to talk about tiny bits of something are iota, smidgen, speck, and whit.
Vocabulary lists containing scintilla
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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It's the Little Things: Synonyms for "Small"
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The Martian Chronicles
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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.
In sentencing Armstrong, Mr Justice McAlinden said that he had not shown "one scintilla of remorse or regret" for his actions.
From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2024
Thomas de la Mare KC, representing Newcastle United, said Sports Direct had not produced a "scintilla of evidence" to show the deal would harm competition and there was "simply no evidence" to substantiate the claim.
From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2024
You can most certainly ring in the New Year with a glass in your hand that doesn't have a scintilla of liquor — and still have a positively magnificent time.
From Salon ● Dec. 31, 2023
They argued there was “not a scintilla of evidence” to support the charge of hindering police.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 28, 2023
A scintilla of doubt had begun to insinuate itself.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
