modicum
noun
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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.
Synonyms
Examples of modicum in a Sentence
Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
The hard rubber tires are not pneumatic, but when ridden, deliver a modicum of cushion and a lot of grip.
—William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The severe damage to the West Bank economy caused by those policies directly undermines what security officials see as their ability to maintain a modicum of order since Palestinian unemployment and immiseration only increase the likelihood of violence.
—Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024
After much debate and delay, lawmakers finally passed legislation on Nov. 1, 2023, to provide at least a modicum of verification.
—Eye On Michigan, Detroit Free Press, 23 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Modicum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modicum. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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modicum
noun
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