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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

modicum

Noun

IPA /ˈmɒdɪkəm/

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Meaning in plain English

A small amount of something, especially something useful or desirable.

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Pronunciation

modicum/ˈmɒdɪkəm/

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On a scale
  1. Only a little patience

  2. A great deal of patience

A modicum of patience is a small amount, which may still help in a difficult moment.

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  1. A modicum of patience would make this queue easier to bear.
  2. Even a modicum of preparation would have improved the presentation.

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A ________ of patience would make this queue easier to bear.
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modicum — A small amount of something, especially something useful or desirable.

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A small amount of something, especially something useful or desirable.

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Word origin

From Latin modicum, a small amount, related to modus, measure.

Did you know?

The usual expression is a modicum of, followed by an uncountable noun.

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modicum

/ˈmɒdɪkəm/ (Noun)

“Formal. Say a modicum of respect, patience or common sense.”

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