Meager: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'megre', which means thin or lean.
• Originally, it was used to describe people who were thin due to lack of food.
• In Latin, 'macrum' means lean, which influenced the development of this term.

Literature

• Charles Dickens often used 'meager' to describe poverty and scarcity in his novels.
• In Shakespeare's works, similar terms convey notions of want and insufficiency, resonating with social themes.
• The word appears in various classic poetry pieces to evoke feelings of sadness or lack.

Psychology

• Studies show that when people perceive their resources as 'meager,' it can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
• The concept of scarcity, linked to 'meager,' affects decision making and can create anxiety.
• Experiencing meagerness in childhood can influence adult behavior, making individuals more cautious with resources.

Cultural References

• In some cultures, a 'meager' meal can symbolize humility or a frugal lifestyle.
• The phrase 'meager harvest' is often used in literature to depict a hard year or struggle.
• In various songs, the word captures a deep sense of longing and the desire for more than what one has.

Pop Culture

• In movies, meager resources often lead characters on a journey of determination and grit.
• Reality TV shows frequently highlight 'meager' lifestyles to create dramatic contrasts between contestants.
• Used in comedic contexts, 'meager' can set the stage for irony or humor in a storyline.

At position #13,101, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 13098 railing
• 13099 nourished
• 13100 towering
• 13101 meager
• 13102 jerk
• 13103 deduce
• 13104 vantage
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