noun
modicum
MO-dih-kuhm
Modicum (noun) means a small amount of something. Example: “He showed at least a modicum of respect for the rules.”
noun
1
A small amount of something.
"Unable to garner even a modicum of support for his plan, he conceded to follow the others."
"He drinks iced lemonade through a long straw, without moving, without even shifting his head, and thereby gains a modicum of inner coolness."
— Fergus Fleming, ‘It is the Hour of My Death’ (2003)
"He showed at least a modicum of respect for the rules."
"Even a modicum of effort would have improved the result."
"Now, anyone with a modicum of knowledge of the rail network and of union feeling on this matter will have realised that this was another way of saying 'no deal'."
— Christian Wolmar, Pressing issues to help Eurostar fulfil its ambitions (2023)
How to use modicum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small or token amount of something, often used with abstract qualities like respect, effort, or success.
When to use it
Fairly formal; common in writing more than casual speech.
Common pairings
a modicum of respect
a modicum of success
a modicum of effort
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Word forms
- Plural
- modicums, modica
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He showed at least a _____ of respect for the rules.
Etymology
From Latin modicum ("a small amount"), related to modus ("measure").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “modicum” mean?
The word “modicum” means a small amount of something. In plain terms, a small or token amount of something, often used with abstract qualities like respect, effort, or success.
How do you pronounce “modicum”?
“Modicum” is pronounced MO-dih-kuhm (/ˈmɑdɪkəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “modicum” in a sentence?
Here is “modicum” used in a sentence: “He showed at least a modicum of respect for the rules.”
What is the opposite of “modicum”?
The opposite of “modicum” — its antonyms — is lot.
What part of speech is “modicum”?
“Modicum” is a noun.
Where does the word “modicum” come from?
The word “modicum” comes from Latin. From Latin modicum ("a small amount"), related to modus ("measure").
