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 Her shameless, shameful actions and blatant attempt to Etch-A-Sketch away the past is an insult to anyone with even a modicum of intelligence. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Russia also wants to maintain a modicum of civility with Israel, which is host to a sizable Russian-speaking population and might offer Ukraine military support in the future. Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2024 Then, too, the royals hold a more ceremonial role in British society than, say, political leaders, which some argue should entitle them to a modicum of privacy, although the king, as the head of state, occupies a singular role. Mark Landler, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 The committee vote effectively kills the bill for this year's legislative session but provides a modicum of hope to casino supporters that it can be revived in the future. Matthew Barakat, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2024 Journalism requires a modicum of skill and an ability to tamp down bias—and AI has proven terrible at writing news. Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 25 Dec. 2023 Because there’s a modicum of responsibility about her? Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 There was a modicum of improvement in cookies that included peanut butter, such as the Peanut Butter Crisp featuring Butterfinger, since there was a bit more saltiness to enjoy. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 26 Sep. 2023 The 150,000 Palestinians in the West Bank who work in Israel but who have been barred from entering after October 7 need to be allowed to return to their jobs, albeit with careful security screening, in order to preserve a modicum of economic stability in the West Bank. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 4 Jan. 2024

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 18 Mar. 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

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