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.

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web The true meaning of the line is different given the entire text, but trust me, caution and a rational modicum of fear do seem to be appropriate today.

Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022 Though its economy has already been rocked by the new sanctions, Russia still can look to markets and friends elsewhere — not least in China — for some hard currency and a modicum of solidarity.

Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022 Their responsibility is to keep attention on the road, providing vehicle information and a modicum of entertainment options while getting occupants from place to place as safely as possible.

Mike Juran, WSJ, 9 Dec. 2021 How, the novel asks, can the characters move forward with a modicum of grace in the wake of betrayal, defeat and the suffering that is inherent in the human condition?

Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2022 Aside from how emotionally painful that sounds, frozen in torment and tongue-tied in destiny are particularly challenging conditions to sustain in a novel, which demands at least a modicum of dynamic movement.

Ron Charles, Washington Post, 24 May 2022 Or hope for at least a modicum of order emerging spontaneously out of chaos?

Damon Linker, The Week, 26 Apr. 2022 Yet like millions of other Americans, including families with at least a modicum of financial security, inflation has suddenly become the dominant influence on their outlook, personally and politically.

Don Lee Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2022 In December, the Biden administration invited the Zambian president to address its virtual Summit for Democracy, setting up a modicum of competition with Beijing.

New York Times, 25 July 2022 See More

单词	modicums
释义	modicum noun mo·di·cum ˈmä-di-kəm also ˈmō- : a small portion : a limited quantity had only a modicum of mathematical skills Did you know? 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 See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together Recent Examples on the Web The true meaning of the line is different given the entire text, but trust me, caution and a rational modicum of fear do seem to be appropriate today. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022 Though its economy has already been rocked by the new sanctions, Russia still can look to markets and friends elsewhere — not least in China — for some hard currency and a modicum of solidarity. Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022 Their responsibility is to keep attention on the road, providing vehicle information and a modicum of entertainment options while getting occupants from place to place as safely as possible. Mike Juran, WSJ, 9 Dec. 2021 How, the novel asks, can the characters move forward with a modicum of grace in the wake of betrayal, defeat and the suffering that is inherent in the human condition? Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2022 Aside from how emotionally painful that sounds, frozen in torment and tongue-tied in destiny are particularly challenging conditions to sustain in a novel, which demands at least a modicum of dynamic movement. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 24 May 2022 Or hope for at least a modicum of order emerging spontaneously out of chaos? Damon Linker, The Week, 26 Apr. 2022 Yet like millions of other Americans, including families with at least a modicum of financial security, inflation has suddenly become the dominant influence on their outlook, personally and politically. Don Lee Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2022 In December, the Biden administration invited the Zambian president to address its virtual Summit for Democracy, setting up a modicum of competition with Beijing. New York Times, 25 July 2022 See More Word History Etymology Middle English, from Latin, neuter of modicus moderate, from modus measure First Known Use 15th century, in the meaning defined above modicums noun plural of modicum as in damns the smallest amount or part imaginable only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance damns licks whits little hoots diddly-squats doodly-squats durns diddlies doodley-squats figs syllables raps bits squats iotas whoops touches beans continentals smidgeons jots darns hints ghosts glimmers ounces skoshes smidgins shadows tittles pins specks rays shreds shades particles nips traces sprinklings suspicions scraps semblances scruples peanuts dabs driblets snaps spots strains smidges crumbs streaks mites smidgens aces
随便看	tropological tropologically tropologies tropology tropolone tropometer tropomyosin tropomyosins troponin troponins troponymies troponyms troponymyes troponymys tropopause tropopauses tropophil tropophilous tropophyte tropophytes troposphere tropospheres tropospheric tropostereoscope tropotactic

modicum

noun

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Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

noun