PsychologyJuly 14, 2026
modicum
/ˈmɒd.ɪ.kəm/
Definition
A small, moderate, or modest amount of a particular quality or thing.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'modicus,' meaning 'moderate' or 'little,' it entered English in the early 17th century to denote a small measure of something.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe a healthy level of humility, suggesting that having at least a little bit of modesty makes a person prone to feeling imposter syndrome.
Happiness expert explains why ‘imposter syndrome’ is a good thing and how to lean into it
Read the full article ↗Upworthy