modicum
What does "modicum" mean?
A modicum is a small, moderate, or token amount of something, typically something desirable or positive. Imagine a tiny pinch of salt in a large pot or a small glimmer of hope in a difficult situation; it represents the bare minimum required to acknowledge that a quality exists. It is almost exclusively used in formal or literary contexts. You will most often see it paired with abstract nouns like "respect," "truth," "decency," or "intelligence," as in "a modicum of truth." It is rarely used to describe physical quantities like sugar or water, but rather qualities or behaviors.
"modicum" in conversation
Workplace dispute
He didn't even show a modicum of respect during the meeting.
He didn't even show a modicum of respect during the meeting.
I know, it was incredibly unprofessional of him.
I know, it was incredibly unprofessional of him.
Used to emphasize the total lack of a basic expectation.
Academic discussion
The essay requires at least a modicum of research to be taken seriously.
The essay requires at least a modicum of research to be taken seriously.
I'll make sure to add more citations, then.
I'll make sure to add more citations, then.
Used to suggest that a small effort is the absolute floor for acceptance.
"modicum" in a sentence
Even a modicum of effort would have changed the outcome.
Even a modicum of effort would have changed the outcome.
She possessed a modicum of talent that she hoped to cultivate over time.
She possessed a modicum of talent that she hoped to cultivate over time.
The defendant showed not a modicum of remorse for his actions throughout the trial.
The defendant showed not a modicum of remorse for his actions throughout the trial.
