Meagerest: meaning, definitions and examples
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meagerest
[ˈmiːɡərɪst ]
Definition
amount, quality
The term 'meagerest' refers to the least amount or the lowest quality of something. It often describes a situation or condition that is lacking in richness, fullness, or abundance. This adjective emphasizes scarcity and insufficiency, highlighting a state that is not only poor but also minimal in every aspect. When something is described as the meagerest, it suggests the barest necessities or the most inadequate resources available.
Synonyms
insufficient, least, minimal, poverty-stricken, scantiest.
Examples of usage
- The funds were at their meagerest this month.
- Her meagerest meal consisted of a single slice of bread.
- The meagerest of resources hindered their efforts.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 'Meager' comes from the Old French 'maigre,' meaning thin or lean, originally referring to food.
- The word 'meager' has been in use since the 14th century, describing things that are scant or inadequate.
- The superlative form 'meagerest' demonstrates how language evolves to express extremes of a quality.
Literature
- In literature, characters described as meager often symbolize poverty, struggle, or hardship.
- Classic works often depict meager environments to reflect a character's emotional state or societal issue.
- Even in poetry, using 'meager' can evoke strong imagery about lack or longing, enhancing the emotional impact.
Cultural References
- In many cultures, meager resources often highlight the contrast between wealth and poverty.
- Fables and stories frequently portray meager beginnings that lead to greater success, teaching values of perseverance.
- Songs and art sometimes use the concept of meager existence to comment on societal inequalities.
Psychology
- Feeling meager might trigger feelings of inadequacy or comparison to others who have more.
- Research indicates that perceptions of meagerness can impact motivation and mental health, fostering resilience or despair.
- When resources are meager, individuals often find creative ways to adapt and survive, showcasing human ingenuity.
Economics
- In economics, discussions about meager wages highlight issues of labor rights and living standards.
- Meager investments in certain sectors can lead to economic stagnation, reflecting on broader societal impacts.
- Policy debates often revolve around how to combat meager provisions for education and healthcare, affecting whole communities.
Translations
Translations of the word "meagerest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais escasso
🇮🇳 सबसे पतला
🇩🇪 dürftigste
🇮🇩 paling sedikit
🇺🇦 найбідніший
🇵🇱 najskromniejszy
🇯🇵 最も乏しい
🇫🇷 le plus maigre
🇪🇸 el más magro
🇹🇷 en kıt
🇰🇷 가장 부족한
🇸🇦 الأكثر شحًا
🇨🇿 nejchudší
🇸🇰 najchudobnejší
🇨🇳 最贫乏的
🇸🇮 najrevnejši
🇮🇸 fátækasti
🇰🇿 ең кедей
🇬🇪 ყველაზე ღარიბი
🇦🇿 ən kasıb
🇲🇽 el más pobre
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,740, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.