modicum

noun

mo·​di·​cum ˈmä-di-kəm How to pronounce modicum (audio)
 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.

Examples of modicum in a Sentence

only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together
Recent Examples on the Web For many French voters, a modicum of civility has not whitewashed the party’s extreme policies, let alone the vicious antisemitism of its Holocaust-denying founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen. Lee Hockstader, Washington Post, 19 June 2024 The discipline was developing a sense of intellectual coherence, as well as a modicum of influence. Discover Magazine, 14 June 2024 Deery previously suggested that even the modicum of paperwork necessary to track and distribute sales and tax forms might have pressed the move. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 13 May 2024 The filings offer one of the only windows into the financial interests of the Supreme Court justices and their spouses, providing a modicum of transparency to an otherwise highly opaque branch of government. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for modicum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modicum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of modicum was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near modicum

Cite this Entry

“Modicum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modicum. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

modicum

noun
mo·​di·​cum ˈmäd-i-kəm How to pronounce modicum (audio)
ˈmōd-
: a small amount
anyone with a modicum of intelligence would understand

More from Merriam-Webster on modicum

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