Meagerness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meagerness

[หˆmiหษกษ™rnษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

eagerness

The quality of being eager; keenness. It is a strong desire to do or achieve something.

Synonyms

eagerness, enthusiasm, keenness, zeal.

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Word Description / Examples
meagerness

Used to describe something lacking in quantity, quality, or fullness. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The meagerness of the meal left everyone still feeling hungry.
  • The report highlighted the meagerness of the funds allocated for education.
enthusiasm

Refers to intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval. It is typically used in a positive and energetic context.

  • She showed great enthusiasm for the upcoming trip.
  • The coach admired the players' enthusiasm during training.
zeal

Indicates great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective. It often suggests a fervent or passionate commitment.

  • She approached her charity work with zeal.
  • The fervent zeal of the activists was evident during the protest.
eagerness

Describes a strong and enthusiastic willingness or desire to do something. It is often used in a positive sense.

  • Her eagerness to start the new project was contagious.
  • His eagerness to learn made him a favorite student among the teachers.
keenness

Describes an intense and sharp interest or enthusiasm for something. It can also imply a perceptive and quick-witted nature.

  • His keenness for detail makes him an excellent detective.
  • The keenness of her insight into complex problems is remarkable.

Examples of usage

  • She showed great meagerness in pursuing her goals.
  • His meagerness to learn new things is admirable.
Context #2 | Noun

eager anticipation

A strong desire or feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.

Synonyms

anticipation, enthusiasm, excitement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meagerness

Use when describing a lack or insufficiency in quantity or quality, often in a critical or negative light.

  • The meagerness of his salary made it difficult to pay the bills.
  • She was disappointed by the meagerness of the meal.
excitement

Use when describing a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness, often in response to an event or activity.

  • The excitement was palpable as the team scored the winning goal.
  • She could hardly contain her excitement about the upcoming trip.
enthusiasm

Use when expressing a high level of interest or excitement about something, often indicating passion or eagerness.

  • Her enthusiasm for the project was contagious.
  • He spoke about the book with great enthusiasm.
anticipation

Use when talking about looking forward to something that is going to happen, often with a sense of eagerness or expectation.

  • The children waited in anticipation for the birthday party to start.
  • There was a sense of anticipation in the air before the concert began.

Examples of usage

  • The meagerness in the air was palpable as they awaited the announcement.
  • His meagerness for the concert was evident in his excited chatter.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Meagerness appears in various literary works to evoke feelings of poverty and deprivation.
  • In George Orwell's '1984', the meagerness of the protagonist's diet reflects the oppressive regime's impact on citizens.
  • Classic poets often use meagerness as a metaphor for emotional emptiness or spiritual poverty.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that people who experience constant scarcity may develop a scarcity mindset, affecting their decision-making.
  • Living in meagerness can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels, disrupting mental health.
  • Concepts of meagerness are crucial in understanding poverty and the psychological effects of lack in society.

Economics

  • Meagerness in resource distribution can lead to economic disparities within communities.
  • The phenomenon of 'meager wages' highlights how low-paying jobs contribute to financial instability for many families.
  • In a meager economy, consumer spending declines, leading to slower economic growth overall.

Animal Behavior

  • Animals in environments with limited food resources often display behaviors like foraging more intensely due to meagerness.
  • Some species exhibit meager growth rates in changing climates, showcasing how scarcity affects survival.
  • Behavioral ecologists study how meagerness influences mating strategies and the reproduction of various species.

Origin of 'meagerness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'meager' comes from the Latin 'macrum', which means 'thin' or 'lean'.
  • It originally described something lacking substance, like a skinny animal or a small meal.
  • The suffix '-ness' transforms 'meager' into a noun, describing the quality of being meager.

The word 'meagerness' originated from the Middle English word 'meagreness' which came from the Old French 'meagrenesse'. It is derived from the Latin 'macrฤ“dinem' meaning leanness or meagerness. The word has been used in English since the 14th century.


See also: meagerly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,974, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.