Meagrest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meagrest

[หˆmiหษกrษ™st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

least in amount

Meagrest refers to the smallest or least amount of something, often used to describe scarcity or deficiency. It denotes a state of being very small or thin, especially in quantity or intensity.

Synonyms

barest, minimum, slightest.

Examples of usage

  • They made the meagrest offer possible.
  • Her meagrest efforts were barely noticeable.
  • He was left with the meagrest of resources to survive.
  • The meagrest portion of food was still more than he received last time.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • This word often appears in stories to emphasize lack, such as describing a poor character's dire situation.
  • Classic authors have used it to evoke empathy, illustrating their characters' struggles with scarcity.
  • In poetry, 'meagrest' might be used to create imagery around minimalism or emptiness.

Psychology

  • The sense of 'meagrest' can relate to feelings of inadequacy or scarcity, impacting self-esteem and motivation.
  • Studies show that environments perceived as meager can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.
  • Understanding this concept can help individuals appreciate abundance when they encounter it.

Pop Culture

  • In various songs and films, the term is used to describe lost opportunities and minimal rewards.
  • Characters may often refer to something being 'meagrest' to express disappointment, like a bad job offer.
  • The word appears in dialogues to emphasize a lack of respect or recognition, often in humorous contexts.

Origin of 'meagrest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'meager' which meant 'thin or lean'.
  • It shares roots with the Latin word 'macr-us', meaning thin, which suggests a historical connection to scarcity.
  • Over time, it has evolved in usage to describe not just physical attributes but also quantities.

The term 'meagrest' is derived from the Old English word 'mฤ“agre', which means 'thin' or 'lean'. This root is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, signifying a state of scarcity or insufficiency. Over time, 'meagrest' evolved to emphasize minimal amounts in various contexts, often reflecting the idea of something being barely sufficient. It has been used since the Middle Ages, where it often described food and resources, highlighting an era of hardship and famine. The usage of the term has persisted into modern English, maintaining its connotation of deficiency.