Meagre: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
meagre
[ หmiหษกษr ]
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
Translations of the word "meagre" in other languages:
๐ต๐น magro
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฎเคเคผเฅเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช mager
๐ฎ๐ฉ kurus
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑัะดะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ chudy
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฉใใ
๐ซ๐ท maigre
๐ช๐ธ magro
๐น๐ท zayฤฑf
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฌ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุฒูู
๐จ๐ฟ hubenรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ chudรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ็ฆๅผฑ็
๐ธ๐ฎ suhe
๐ฎ๐ธ naumur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฑะนัา
๐ฌ๐ช แแฎแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ arฤฑq
๐ฒ๐ฝ flaco
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 13376 augmentation
- 13377 happiest
- 13378 formality
- 13379 meagre
- 13380 wilfully
- 13381 congratulations
- 13382 sluggish
- ...