Meager Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meager

[หˆmiหษกษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

description of quantity or quality

Lacking in quantity or quality; inadequate; scanty.

Synonyms

insufficient, minimal, sparse.

Examples of usage

  • The meager portions of food left us still hungry.
  • The meager resources available for the project hindered its success.
Context #2 | Adjective

description of appearance

Having a thin or emaciated appearance; lean; gaunt.

Synonyms

scrawny, skinny, undernourished.

Examples of usage

  • The meager stray dog looked hungry and weak.
  • His meager frame made him appear fragile and delicate.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'meager'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'meager' originated from the Old French word 'maigre', which means thin or lean. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over time, 'meager' has come to represent not only physical thinness but also a lack of quantity or quality in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

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.