Eked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐พ
eked
[iหk ]
Definition
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
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Writers often use the term to describe characters who have to manage limited resources wisely.
- In classic literature, characters eking out a living highlight themes of survival and resilience.
Psychology
- Eking can reflect a mindset of scarcity, where individuals perceive resources as limited.
- This behavior can stem from past experiences of resource loss or financial hardship.
History
- During economic downturns, many people had to learn to eke out their food and resources to survive.
- Historical accounts show communities banding together to support each other by sharing limited supplies to eked out through hard times.
Pop Culture
- In survival reality shows, contestants are often shown eking out supplies for days, highlighting their ingenuity.
- The term appears in various songs and poems, symbolizing the struggle for enough in tough situations.
Origin of 'eked'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'eked' comes from the Old English 'ฤcan', meaning 'to increase' or 'to extend'.
- Originally used in the context of making something larger or longer, the meaning has shifted towards using little by little.
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.