Modicum
/ˈmɒdɪkəm/
nounC1
Definition
Modicum means a small, limited amount of something, often something positive like respect, kindness, or patience. It is used when you want to say there is only a little bit, but enough to notice or to be important.
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See It in Action
A small amount of something good or valuable
- •She showed a modicum of patience during the long wait.
- •There was a modicum of truth in his explanation.
- •Even a modicum of kindness can change someone's day.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "modicum" like "little" or "small," but used for important things, not objects.
- ✓Picture a tiny piece of chocolate on a big plate — small but special and enough to taste.
- ✓It's the feeling when you get just a small smile from someone—it matters even if it's little.
- ✓Sounds like "MOD-i-cum" → imagine a small "mod" (short for modern) gadget that fits in your hand, small but useful.
- ✓Think of a story where a character only has a little hope left, but that small hope keeps them going.
- ✓NOT like "lot" (a big amount), modicum is a small, careful amount.
- ✓NOT like "none" (zero), modicum means there is some, even if very little.
- ✓NOT like "many" or "much," which mean large amounts.
Try Other Words
- •Bit: a small piece or amount (Use when speaking informally or about general small amounts)
- •Smidgen: a tiny amount (Use in casual conversation, often for food or small quantities)
- •Trace: a very small amount, often of something hard to notice (Use when something is almost not there but still present)
- •Fragment: a small part broken off from something larger (Use when talking about physical pieces or parts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; whole word from Latin)
- •Etymology: From Latin "modicus," meaning moderate or small in size
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 17th century to mean a small portion or limited quantity
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or written English to describe small amounts of abstract qualities like respect, patience, or truth
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when having just a modicum of something made a big difference in your life?
•Why do you think people often notice even a small amount of kindness or respect more than large amounts of other things?
Fill in the blanks
1.She showed a modicum of ___ during the difficult conversation, which helped calm the situation.
2.Even a modicum of ___ can improve relationships between people.
3.The report contained a modicum of ___, but most of it was incorrect.
4.Unlike large amounts, a modicum of ___ is just enough to be important but not too much.
5.He lacked a modicum of ___, so he quickly lost the trust of his team.
6.A modicum of ___ is better than having none at all when facing challenges.
7.When someone offers a modicum of ___, it often means they care a little, even if not fully.