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Meagre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meagre

[หˆmiหษกษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

amount, quality

Meagre refers to something that is lacking in quantity or quality. It often describes insufficient or inadequate amounts of something, such as food, resources, or even effort. This term can imply that what is present is barely enough to meet a basic requirement, lacking richness or completeness. In many instances, it conveys a sense of disappointment due to the scarcity of what is expected.

Synonyms

inadequate, insufficient, paltry, scanty, skimpy.

Examples of usage

  • He received a meagre salary for his hard work.
  • The meal was meagre, barely enough to satisfy their hunger.
  • The donations were meagre compared to the community's needs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters with meagre resources often face challenges, representing struggles against adversity.
  • The word is often used in poetry to evoke feelings of sadness or longing for abundance.
  • Famous novels highlight meager living conditions to critique societal issues, such as poverty and inequality.

Psychology

  • The perception of meagerness can lead to feelings of deprivation and affect mental well-being.
  • Studies suggest that people who feel they have meager resources, financially or emotionally, may experience higher stress levels.
  • The association of meagerness with failure can impact self-esteem and motivation.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures perceive meagerness variably; for some, living simply is celebrated as a virtue, while for others, it may indicate hardship.
  • In some traditions, meagre offerings in rituals highlight humility and the importance of spiritual wealth over material wealth.
  • Modern minimalist movements embrace the idea of living with less, showcasing a shift in how meagerness is valued.

Economics

  • In economic discussions, a meagre supply of resources can lead to inflation and increased competition.
  • Countries with meagre economic growth often struggle to provide for their populations, leading to social unrest.
  • Analysts use the term to describe budgets that lack sufficient funding for essential services.

Origin of 'meagre'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'megre,' which means 'thin' or 'poor.'
  • In Latin, it traces back to 'macrus,' meaning 'thin' or 'slender.'
  • The term has evolved in English to describe not just physical thinness but also scarcity.

The word 'meagre' originates from the Old French term 'maigre', which means 'thin' or 'lean'. This term, in turn, comes from the Latin 'macrus', which signifies 'thin' or 'slender'. The evolution of the word reflects a consistent theme of inadequacy and lack across its history. It was first recorded in English in the late 14th century. Historically, 'meagre' has been associated with not only physical attributes, such as a meagre meal, but also metaphorical applications, referring to insufficient efforts or scant resources in various contexts. Over time, it has come to be commonly used in both literary and everyday language to describe various forms of scarcity.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,379, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.