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SAT 14 (Scholastic Assessment Test), High School 5, Size and Amount

fragment,modicum,smidgen

eb68db_1862f350e0144b91b934f2fc7dd366f9.mp3

atom,grain,jot,mite,particle,shred,speck,trace,whit

speck, abundance, plenty, multitude

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

iota

IPA

How to pronounce iota (audio)

Dictionary definition of iota

An extremely small or infinitesimal amount or quantity.
"There isn't an iota of truth in the rumor that's been circulating."

Detailed meaning of iota

It signifies the tiniest unit or particle of something, often used to emphasize the insignificance or minute nature of a particular element. It is derived from the Greek letter "iota" (ι), which is the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. When used in conversation or writing, the term "iota" conveys the idea of a minuscule or negligible portion, implying that there is hardly any measurable or substantial presence of the subject in question. It is often employed to express a lack of change or difference, suggesting that even the slightest alteration or deviation is absent. The use of "iota" highlights the idea that the entity being described is so small or inconsequential that it has little impact or significance in the overall context.

Example sentences containing iota

1. He didn't show an iota of remorse for his actions.
2. She didn't have an iota of doubt about her decision.
3. I don't have an iota of patience left after dealing with this situation.
4. He didn't contribute an iota of effort to the project.
5. The defendant's testimony didn't contain an iota of credibility.
6. There isn't an iota of evidence to support his claims.

History and etymology of iota

The noun 'iota' has its origins in the Greek language, specifically from the Greek letter 'iota,' which is the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. This diminutive character is pronounced as 'ee-o-tah' in Greek. The term 'iota' found its way into English through biblical and literary contexts, notably in reference to a verse from the New Testament where Jesus says, 'Not one iota, not one dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished' (Matthew 5:18). In this context, 'iota' symbolizes the smallest part or detail of something, emphasizing the idea of an extremely small or infinitesimal amount or quantity. Thus, the etymology of 'iota' underscores its association with the concept of minuteness and insignificance, originating from the Greek alphabet's tiniest character.

Quiz: Find the meaning of iota

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Further usage examples of iota

1. She didn't have an iota of interest in the topic being discussed.
2. He didn't possess an iota of talent for playing the piano.
3. The speaker's argument lacked even an iota of logical reasoning.
4. The weather forecast didn't hint at an iota of rain for the weekend.
5. Despite her hectic schedule, she didn't show an iota of stress.
6. He didn't have an iota of knowledge about the subject matter.
7. The recipe didn't require an iota of sugar for its preparation.
8. The artist didn't compromise an iota of his artistic vision in his latest masterpiece.
9. Despite his claims, there isn't an iota of truth in his story.
10. Her patience had dwindled to the last iota.
11. He searched every nook and cranny, not missing an iota.
12. The suspect didn't show an iota of remorse.
13. I haven't seen an iota of progress in this project.
14. She didn't have an iota of doubt about her decision.
15. My trust in him has eroded to the tiniest iota.
16. The recipe calls for an iota of salt, not a pinch more.
17. His performance showed not a single iota of improvement.
18. I can't find an iota of evidence to support that claim.
19. There's not an iota of hesitation in her voice.
20. Don't waste an iota of your energy on trivial matters.
21. The room was devoid of an iota of decoration.
22. Her smile didn't waver an iota during the speech.
23. He's so stubborn, not willing to change an iota.
24. The document must be accurate down to the last iota.
25. I wouldn't change an iota of my past experiences.
26. They scrutinized the contract, not missing an iota.
27. The defendant's story lacks an iota of credibility.
28. We'll accept no less than an iota of your best effort.

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