Meaning & use
modicum
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Meaning
nounsingular
A small but useful amount of something, usually a quality such as sense or respect.
Grammar: Always followed by of and an abstract or uncountable noun: a modicum of calm.
Patterns
- a modicum of something
Please show a modicum of respect when you speak to the staff.
He managed to keep a modicum of dignity despite the embarrassment.
With a modicum of planning, the trip could have gone smoothly.
Word forms
| plural | modicums |
|---|
Common combinations
- a modicum of respect
- All she asked for was a modicum of respect.
- a modicum of success
- The band enjoyed a modicum of success with their first album.
- a modicum of common sense
- A modicum of common sense would have avoided the problem.
- a modicum of privacy
- The tiny office offered barely a modicum of privacy.
- a modicum of comfort
- The blanket gave him a modicum of comfort in the cold.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bit
- Bit is casual and works with almost anything, while modicum sounds formal and fits best with abstract qualities.
- trace
- Trace suggests an amount so slight it is barely noticeable, whereas modicum is small but enough to matter.
- smidgen
- Smidgen is humorous and informal and implies a tiny quantity, while modicum is more serious in tone.
- degree
- Degree is neutral and can describe any level, while modicum always points to a small amount.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: modicum or modicum vs. medium?
modicum vs modicum vs. medium
A medium is a middle size or a means of communication; a modicum is a small amount and is followed by of.
Practice
If you showed a ___ of patience, the process would go much better.
Choose one answer.
Modicum of is the fixed pattern meaning a small amount. Moderate and medium are adjectives or other nouns and do not take of in this way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “modicum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.