Eked: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒพ
Add to dictionary

eked

 

[ iหk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

informal usage

To 'eke out' means to make a supply last longer by using it sparingly or to obtain something with great difficulty. It often refers to managing resources in a way that stretches them further than they would normally last. The phrase can also imply earning a living by making do with very little.

Synonyms

extend, manage, sustain

Examples of usage

  • They eked out their savings to last through the winter.
  • She managed to eke out an existence on a small salary.
  • The farmer eked out a living from the little land he had.

Translations

Translations of the word "eked" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น aroma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เฅเคถเคฌเฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Duft

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ aroma

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐั€ะพะผะฐั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ aromat

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ฆ™ใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท arรดme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ aroma

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aroma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ–ฅ๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุทุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aroma

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ arรณma

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฆ™ๆฐ”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ aroma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ilmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒแƒ›แƒแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aroma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ aroma

Word origin

The term 'eke out' has its origins in Middle English, specifically derived from the Old Norse word 'yka', which means 'to increase' or 'to supplement'. Over time, the phrase evolved into its modern usage. In the 14th century, it began to appear in English literature, often in the context of managing limited resources or extending a meager existence. The concept of eking out something has remained relevant through the centuries, reflecting human resilience and the necessity of frugality. The word 'eke' was even used historically in heraldry and law, indicating the act of reaching or adding something, which further contributed to its semantic development. Today, it reflects not only the practical aspect of resource management but also the creativity and determination often required to thrive under constraining circumstances.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,888 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.