modicum

noun

mo·​di·​cum ˈmä-di-kəm 

 also  ˈmō-

: 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.

Synonyms

• beans
• bubkes
• bupkes
• bupkus
• continental
• damn
• darn
• durn
• diddly [slang]
• diddly-squat [slang]
• doodley-squat
• doodly-squat
• fig
• ghost
• hoot
• iota
• jot
• lick
• rap
• squat [slang]
• syllable
• tittle
• whit
• whoop

Examples of modicum in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Therefore, Iran largely favors the status quo, which at least provides a modicum of stability that allows Tehran to focus on other priorities deemed more urgent, especially as the country grapples with another strong wave of novel coronavirus infections and record-high daily death tolls. —Colin P. Clarke, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, neuter of modicus moderate, from modus measure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

modicum

noun

mo·​di·​cum ˈmäd-i-kəm 

ˈmōd-

: a small amount

anyone with a modicum of intelligence would understand