modicum
意味: A small or moderate quantity of something, especially a quality or attribute that is present but only just sufficient.
Modicum is almost always used with abstract nouns — 'a modicum of sense,' 'a modicum of restraint,' 'a modicum of respect.' It carries an understated, slightly literary tone and often implies that even this small amount would be welcome or sufficient. It is a favourite of broadsheet editorials and political commentary, frequently used to suggest someone is falling short of a very low bar.
例文
- One might have hoped for a modicum of courtesy from someone in such a senior position. 人们本可以期待身居如此高位的人有起码的礼貌。Cabría esperar un mínimo de cortesía de alguien en un puesto tan alto.そのような高い地位にある人物からは、せめて最低限の礼儀が期待されたかもしれない。그토록 높은 지위에 있는 사람에게서 최소한의 예의 정도는 기대할 수 있었을 것이다.
- With a modicum of planning, the crisis could easily have been avoided. 只要稍加规划,这场危机本可以轻易避免。Con un mínimo de planificación, la crisis podría haberse evitado fácilmente.わずかでも計画があれば、この危機は容易に回避できたはずである。약간의 사전 계획만 있었더라도 이 위기는 쉽게 피할 수 있었을 것이다.
- The report contained a modicum of useful data, but most of its conclusions were speculative. 该报告包含少量有用的数据,但其大部分结论都是推测性的。El informe contenía una cantidad modesta de datos útiles, pero la mayoría de sus conclusiones eran especulativas.報告書にはいくらかの有用なデータが含まれていたが、結論の大半は推測にすぎなかった。보고서에는 얼마간의 유용한 데이터가 포함되어 있었으나, 결론의 대부분은 추측에 불과했다.
発音
使い方ガイド
場面: journalism, literary, academic
トーン: neutral
起源と歴史
From Latin modicum (a small amount), neuter of modicus (moderate), from modus (measure). Entered English in the 15th century.
文化的背景
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
このトピックの他の表現
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