scintilla

IPA/sɪnˈtɪlə/
KK[sɪntˈɪlə]IPA/sɪnˈtɪlə/

scintilla — noun

1. A tiny trace or fragment of something such as evidence, truth, or doubt; used al

1.名詞C1
釋義

A tiny trace or fragment of something such as evidence, truth, or doubt; used almost always in negative contexts to emphasise that there is none of something at all.

例句

The jury found not a scintilla of evidence against the defendant.

negative construction: not a scintilla of evidence

After Lakshmi explained each step, the director did not have a scintilla of doubt.

collocation: scintilla of doubt in negative context

同義詞
  • iota

    Even smaller in degree; used in similar negative patterns ('not one iota')

  • shred

    Slightly less formal; common in 'not a shred of evidence'

  • trace

    More general and neutral; can describe both abstract and physical amounts

  • speck

    Often implies a tiny visible particle; more concrete than scintilla

反義詞
  • abundance

    A large amount of something, the opposite of 'not a scintilla'

  • wealth

    Implies a plentiful or rich supply, contrasting with a trace

文法句型

not a scintilla of [abstract noun]

not one scintilla of [abstract noun]

without a scintilla of [abstract noun]

用法筆記

Almost always appears in negative or restrictive contexts — after 'not a', 'without a', 'no', or in questions with 'any'. Positive uses ('a scintilla of hope') are very rare and sound literary or old-fashioned.

常見錯誤

❌There was not a scintilla of sugar left in the jar.
✅There was not a grain of sugar left in the jar.
💡'scintilla' is used for abstract qualities (evidence, truth, doubt), not for physical quantities.
❌I had a scintilla of cake after dinner.
✅I had a tiny piece of cake after dinner.
💡In positive everyday contexts, use 'tiny bit', 'trace', or 'small amount' instead.