Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪ.oʊ.tə/

Definitions

• A very small amount or quantity; a bit.
• The ninth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ι, ι), used to represent a small value or amount in various contexts.

Usage Examples

• "There wasn’t an iota of truth in his story."
• "She didn’t care an iota about the negative comments."

Etymology

The word "iota" comes from the Greek word "ἰῶτα" (iota), which is the name of the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet. The term has been used figuratively to represent something very small, a tiny amount, since the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• Bit
• Scintilla
• Fragment
• Shred
• Trace

Antonyms

• Large amount
• Heap
• Lot
• Plenty

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "iota" can vary slightly across different regions, particularly between English speakers from the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., the emphasis may fall more on the second syllable, whereas in the U.K., the first syllable might be emphasized more heavily.

Historical Usage

The word "iota" first appeared in English in the early 17th century, influenced by its Greek roots. Initially, it was used to represent a small or trivial thing in both literal and figurative contexts. It became widely used in expressions like "not an iota of" to signify something very small, often in terms of quality or truth.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, particularly in religious texts, "iota" is used to emphasize the idea of an infinitesimal amount, as in the biblical expression "not one jot or one tittle," where "jot" is derived from "iota." In modern usage, it retains its figurative meaning of something so small that it is almost negligible.

More Information

The use of "iota" often emphasizes the idea of something so small that it may seem insignificant, but it carries a weight of precision when referring to measurements, amounts, or qualities in various scientific, philosophical, and literary contexts. Whether it refers to a small detail in a debate or a minute amount of evidence in a scientific experiment, "iota" helps convey the importance of even the tiniest component in the grand scheme of things.