Welcome to Wondrous Words Wednesday, the weekly meme hosted by Kathy at Bermuda Onion. Stop by Kathy’s blog to join the word nerd party!
My word today comes from the fantastic (in more ways than one) world of Artemis Fowl. I’m now listening to book number eight, the last one in the series. Sniff. I’m sad that it’s almost over. If you have kids who like adventure stories, and you’re looking for good audio books for long car rides, Artemis is the evil genius turned hero that you need!
Since I was listening to an audio book, I can’t quote an exact sentence. But here’s a close approximation:
Artemis couldn’t find a modicum of comfort in the cramped fairy shuttle.
modicum \’mä-di-kəm; also mō-\ noun; from Latin modicus moderate and modus measure; a small amount.
I think it implies disappointingly small amount, like My kids share only a modicum of their Easter candy stash with me.
Word Nerd Workout
Webster’s Online Dictionary lists several humorous synonyms for modicum. Can you think of one? My example: iota.
My son only put an iota of asparagus in his mouth and immediately started gagging.
Thanks for getting nerdy with me today!
Julia
Dianne is so great – I’ve enjoyed her other books immensely. I will definitely read it! Thanks for the review.
So many great words this week! I LOVE iota, smidgen, and wee. I always call my girls ‘wee ones’ even though they really aren’t anymore. Sniff, sniff.
My mother, like Judy’s, used modicum in negative connotations — critical of people who lacked a modicum of sense or decency.
In New Zealand, I got a kick out of the use of “wee” to mean small. Other British Commonwealth countries use it, too.
I’ve heard of “wee”- Eli is just a wee boy, but he’s fast. Thanks Joy!
Modicum was one of my mother’s favorite words, and she used it in the negative sense. ex: “she doesn’t have even a modicum of decency.” Another of her favorites was a synonym, “smidgen”, used in a positive sense. “You could use just a smidgen more lipstick” Funny! Thanks for making me think of her today! 🙂
There are a lot of fun sounding synonyms for small things- smidgen is a great one! Thanks for working out!
I like modicum, a useful word 🙂
My spicy gingerbread cookies are super-special when I add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
Pinch is great, and now I’m hungry. Thanks Margot!
When I need to find a sentence from an audio book I use the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon.
The southern part of me wants to use something like piddling but I’ll go with smattering for my synonym.
Thanks for the “look inside” tip. I like piddling and smattering! Fun words to say.
Interestingly enough, it seems that I always find the word “modicum” used in a negative way, indicating sparsity or non-existence. (ie: Can’t you use even a modicum of civility?)I know it means small amount, but I wonder if there’s a connotation for “too small an amount” or “languishing over the small amount?” LOL.
Dianne, I think you’re right, and thank you for clarifying that nuance in meaning. I’ve edited my examples to reflect that.
Congrats on your the release of The Eighth Day this week! I’ll post my enthusiastic review here on Friday!
Squee! I look forward to your thoughts on the book!
I wasn’t sure if I was right about the negative connotation, just that it seems to be frequently used that way. Perhaps because it often gets used in that phrase you quoted from Artemis Fowl “couldn’t find a modicum.” I love exploring the meanings of words (sometimes vs their standard usage.