Etymologically
Log in

modicus

Etymology and origin of the Latin word modicus

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Derivation
First attested
Plautus
Ultimate origin
Latin (modus)

Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈmɔ.dɪ.kʊs][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈmɔː.di.kus][1]

Forms

modicus (feminine modica, neuter modicum); first/second-declension adjective[1]

Etymology

It is from modus “measure” with the suffix -icus.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Plautus, of moderate force and of restraint.[2] Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant used for measuring, and moderate in size or amount, as in Cicero; in Plautus moderate in force or speed, and restrained, temperate.[2] In Cicero it also meant slight, brief, and of moderate quality, ordinary, in Tacitus unremarkable, and in Seneca of moderate means.[2] Döderlein explains that modicus refers to quantity, opposed to excess, mediocris to quality.[5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant little, small, moderate, temperate.[6] Medieval Latin used it for small, slight, short, and post modicum meant after a while.[7][4] British Medieval Latin used it for moderate, small.[8] It was borrowed into Italian modico and French modique, and its neuter modicum “a little” gave English modicum in the late 15th century.[1][3]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of moderation.[2][4]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of moderate size.[2][4]
  • late 15th century – English modicum is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Adjective

  1. Of measuring.[2]
  2. Moderate, small.[2]
  3. Slight; brief.[2]
  4. Ordinary; of moderate means.[2]
  5. Restrained, temperate.[2]
  6. (Medieval Latin) As a noun, a little, post modicum, after a while.[7][4]

Word family

  • immodicus
  • modicillus
  • modicum
  • permodicus

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from mediocris.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
  8. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
Cite this entry

“Modicus.” Etymologically, 16 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/la/modicus. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

Last edited on . ·