modicum
/ˈmɒdɪkəm
/noun [in singular]
A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something desirable or valuable: his statement had a modicum of truth...
- It's done in a spirit of fun, and relies on a modicum of good faith among the participants.
- All it would take is a bit of gumption and a modicum of courage.
- With a modicum of imagination and a dash of invention, a good story could be built from this one.
Synonyms
little bit, small amount, particle, degree, speck, fragment, scrap, crumb, grain, morsel, taste, soupçon, shred, mite, dash, drop, pinch, ounce, touch, tinge, dab, jot, iota, whit, tittle, jot or tittle, atom, inch, snippet, sliver, smattering, scintilla, hint, suggestion, whisper, trifle
informal smidgen, smidge, tad
archaic scantling, scruple
Origin
Late 15th century: from Latin, neuter of modicus 'moderate', from modus 'measure'.