scintilla

IPA

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Dictionary definition of scintilla

A tiny trace or spark of something, often used in reference to a small amount of a quality or characteristic.
"There's not a scintilla of evidence to support his claim."

Detailed meaning of scintilla

It is commonly used in contexts where a small but significant presence of something is present, but not immediately apparent. For example, a scintilla of doubt might refer to a small, nagging feeling of uncertainty, while a scintilla of hope might refer to a faint glimmer of positivity in an otherwise bleak situation. The term is also used in physics to describe the emission of light particles, or scintillations, from certain materials when exposed to radiation or high-energy particles. Overall, the scintilla is a subtle but powerful concept that conveys the importance of even the smallest traces or sparks of something in shaping our perception and understanding of the world around us.

Example sentences containing scintilla

1. There isn't a scintilla of doubt in her honest eyes.
2. His argument lacked even a scintilla of credible evidence.
3. Her warm smile concealed a scintilla of hidden sadness.
4. There's not a scintilla of truth to support that baseless rumor.
5. His selfless generosity leaves no scintilla of doubt about his character.
6. The scintilla of hope flickering in their hearts sustains them.

History and etymology of scintilla

The noun 'scintilla' has a captivating etymology that can be traced back to Latin. It originates from the Latin word 'scintilla,' which literally means 'a spark' or 'a tiny particle of fire.' This etymological origin vividly captures the essence of 'scintilla' as a tiny trace or spark of something. It is often used to refer to a small, almost imperceptible amount of a quality or characteristic. The term's association with fire sparks emphasizes its role in describing the minute and fleeting nature of something, as if it were a spark that quickly ignites and then disappears. This etymology beautifully underscores the concept of a small but significant presence or trace, making 'scintilla' a suitable word for describing subtle hints or tiny amounts of various qualities or attributes.

Quiz: Find the meaning of scintilla

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Further usage examples of scintilla

1. Her timeless beauty held a scintilla of enigmatic allure.
2. The scintilla of creativity in his work distinguishes him.
3. A scintilla of curiosity nudged him to explore further.
4. His magnetic charisma had a scintilla of old-world charm.
5. The scintilla of kindness she displayed was genuinely heartwarming.
6. There was a fleeting scintilla of hesitation in her confident voice.
7. His singing lacked a scintilla of the passion required for a ballad.
8. The scintilla of excitement in the room was electric.
9. A scintilla of fear briefly flashed across his courageous face.
10. Her poignant writing contained a scintilla of melancholic beauty.
11. The scintilla of doubt in his mind grew into nagging uncertainty.
12. Their once-unbreakable friendship now held a scintilla of tension.
13. The scintilla of anger in her words hinted at deeper frustrations.
14. A scintilla of regret tinged his otherwise resolute decision.
15. The scintilla of a smile on her face gave him hope.
16. The detective searched for a scintilla of a clue at the crime scene.
17. The scintilla of doubt in her mind kept her from making a decision.
18. The scintilla of light in the darkness gave them hope of finding their way.
19. He didn't have a scintilla of interest in the topic.
20. The scintilla of hope in his voice lifted her spirits.
21. The speaker didn't offer a scintilla of new information.
22. She couldn't find a scintilla of joy in her current situation.
23. The scintilla of talent in the young musician was evident.
24. He didn't show a scintilla of emotion during the funeral.
25. The scintilla of truth in his statement was enough to raise suspicion.