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Eke Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eke

[iːk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

manage resources

To 'eke' means to manage or use something carefully or sparingly, often in order to make it last as long as possible. It is commonly used in the context of managing limited resources or trying to extend the use of what one has. The term can also imply making small allowances or adjustments to make ends meet. Historically, it has been associated with frugality and ingenuity.

Synonyms

conserve, extend, manage, scrape by.

Examples of usage

  • He had to eke out an existence on his small salary.
  • She eked her savings by cutting unnecessary expenses.
  • They eked out the last of the food supplies during the storm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In historical texts, the term often referred to the struggle of communities to make food supplies last during hard times.
  • During the Great Depression, people frequently used the term to describe the act of stretching rations to survive.
  • Literature from past centuries uses 'eke' to illustrate the resourcefulness of characters in constrained circumstances.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'eke out a living' has been utilized in countless films and shows to depict characters facing economic hardship.
  • Popular songs sometimes reference the need to 'eke out' moments of happiness or joy amid difficult times.
  • In video games, players often 'eke' out limited resources to survive longer in challenging environments.

Literature

  • The term frequently appears in poetry and literature to symbolize resilience and cleverness in hardship.
  • Authors like Shakespeare have used variations of 'eke' to convey themes of endurance and survival.
  • In modern literature, characters who 'eke' out their existence often represent the struggle against overwhelming odds.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'eking' resources can relate to psychological resilience, where individuals adapt to constraints creatively.
  • Behaviors indicative of 'eking' out resources are linked to frugality and the ability to derive satisfaction from minimal means.
  • Psychologists study the impacts of scarcity on behavior, as 'eking' can illustrate coping mechanisms in stressful situations.

Origin of 'eke'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English form 'ic,' meaning 'I' or 'also,' which reflects its meaning of addition or increase.
  • In Middle English, 'eke' was used to describe the act of adding or supplementing something, particularly in relation to resources.
  • The modern usage of 'eke' has evolved to mean making do with limited resources or stretching what one has.

The word 'eke' comes from Middle English 'eken', which in turn is derived from the Old Norse word 'eiða', meaning to increase or add. This reflects the word's roots in the idea of making something last longer through careful management. Over the centuries, 'eke' has maintained its association with the concept of frugality and resourcefulness. It saw usage in literature and everyday speech to denote the act of stretching resources or time, notably in contexts relating to survival or scarcity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,122, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.