rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymodicumSmall amount
noun

modicum

MAH-dih-kum/ˈmɑːdɪkəm/

A small amount of something desirable or valuable.

A modicum of honey can sweeten the bowl of oatmeal.

A teaspoon holding just a little golden honey above a plain bowl of oatmeal: a small amount of something desirable that can sweeten the meal.
Etymology
modicumLatina little, a small amount

Latin modicum meant “a little,” using an adjective that ranged from properly measured or moderate to scanty or small. English retains the small-quantity sense for a limited portion of something useful or desirable.

In context

Forgotten Weapons2:51
with a lot less training." Even a modicum of training you can be pretty effective with an M1 carbine out to 100 yards or more.
M1 Carbine: A Whole New Class of Weapon

More examples

  • She hopes for a modicum of privacy.
  • He shows a modicum of respect for the opposing view.
  • Even a modicum of preparation improves the result.

Forms

modicum · modicums

Similar words

smidgen
An informal tiny amount, without emphasizing something desirable.
touch
A touch is a small amount; modicum often implies a minimum desirable share.