iota etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: "iota"
• Greek: "ἰῶτα" (iōta)

Meaning:

• The smallest letter in the Greek alphabet
• By extension, a tiny or insignificant amount

Origin:

The Greek letter "iota" is derived from the Phoenician letter "yod" (𐤉), which represented the consonant sound /j/. In the transition from Phoenician to Greek, the letter underwent a slight phonetic change, resulting in the sound /i/.

Usage:

In English, the word "iota" is typically used in the following ways:

• To refer to a very small or negligible amount: "I didn't change a single iota."
• To express a lack of something: "He doesn't have an iota of common sense."

The word can also be used in a literary or biblical context to emphasize the importance of even the smallest details:

• "Not one iota, not one dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished." (Matthew 5:18)

Related Terms:

• Tittle: The small dot or mark placed above the letter "i" in English.
• Punctilio: A trivial or insignificant detail or matter.
• Nitpicking: Obsessive attention to minor details.

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