Definition

Noun: A very small amount or quantity; a tiny bit that is barely noticeable or measurable.

Usage

This word is an informal, colloquial term used to indicate a minuscule quantity of something, often something abstract or uncountable. It is frequently used in spoken English and casual writing. It can be modified by adjectives like "little" or "tiny" for emphasis.

Examples

• Could you move the lamp just a smidge to the left?
• Add a smidge more salt to the soup, please.
• I'm feeling a smidge tired after that long walk.
• There's not a smidge of evidence to support that claim.

Advanced Usage

• "A smidgeon/smidgin": These are common variant spellings of the same word. "Smidgeon" is perhaps the most frequent alternate form.
  • Do you want some sugar in your tea? Just a smidgeon, please.
• "Not a smidge": Used for emphasis to mean "none at all."
  • After cleaning, there was not a smidge of dust left on the shelf.

Variants and Related Words

• Smidgeon (n): A common variant spelling of "smidge."
• Smidgin (n): Another less common variant spelling.
• Iota (n): A very small amount (more formal).
• Jot (n): A tiny amount (often used in negative constructions: "not one jot").
• Whit (n): The smallest part or amount (archaic or formal, often in "not a whit").

Synonyms

• Bit
• Dash
• Hint
• Pinch
• Speck
• Tad
• Trace

Antonyms

• Lot
• Mass
• Mountain
• Ton

Noun

1. a tiny or scarcely detectable amount