scintilla
Say it: sin-TIL-uh /sɪnˈtɪlə/ · noun
What “scintilla” means
A tiny trace of something.
More precisely: A tiny trace or spark of something.
Example: “There isn't a scintilla of evidence that the new diet works.”
When to use it
In formal speech, for the smallest amount of something, often in 'not a scintilla of evidence'.
Memory trick
Latin scintilla means spark: imagine one tiny spark as the smallest trace.
Similar words
trace, iota, shred
Where it comes from
Latin scintilla, 'a spark'.
Quick check
Everyone feels discouraged, but one promising sign leaves you with the tiniest trace of hope. You have…
a scintilla or an abundance?
Show the answer
a scintilla
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