Definition

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

Usage

This word is used informally to emphasize the minuteness or insignificance of an amount. It is often used in conversational English and can be spelled in several ways (see Variants).

Examples

• Could you move the lamp just a smidgeon to the left?
• Add a smidgeon of salt to the sauce for better flavor.
• I don't think he's a smidgeon less guilty than the others.

Advanced Usage

• "Not a smidgeon": Used for absolute negation, meaning "none at all."
  • There wasn't a smidgeon of evidence to support the claim.

Variants and Related Words

• Smidgen (n): The most common alternate spelling.
• Smidgin (n): Another less common spelling variant.
• Smidge (n): A shortened, more casual form.

Synonyms

• Bit
• Iota
• Whit
• Mite
• Scintilla
• Tittle

Idioms and Phrases

• Every last smidgeon: Emphasizes the completeness of using or including every tiny part.
  • She cleaned the kitchen until there wasn't a crumb left, every last smidgeon of dirt was gone.

Noun

1. a tiny or scarcely detectable amount