Measly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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measly
[ˈmiːzli ]
Definition
amount/size
Measly refers to something that is considered very small, insufficient, or inadequate, especially when it is compared to what is expected or desired. It often conveys a sense of disdain for the smallness or meagerness of the amount or quality.
Synonyms
insignificant, meager, paltry, scanty.
Examples of usage
- He was paid a measly sum for his hard work.
- The restaurant served a measly portion of food.
- She earned a measly bonus this year.
- The donations were measly compared to what was needed.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Insights
- In popular culture, 'measly' is often used to describe low-quality products or poor services in a humorous way.
- Comedians frequently incorporate the word into jokes to emphasize something that's pitifully inadequate.
Literary Usage
- Authors have depicted 'measly' characters to evoke sympathy, illustrating their struggles with low self-esteem or underwhelming situations.
- In literature, the term can denote a lack of ambition or achievement, often contrasting with more grandiose ambitions.
Psychology
- Describing something as 'measly' can reflect feelings of disappointment and can influence how individuals perceive their achievements.
- Psychologically, when people encounter 'measly' situations, it may lead them to adjust their expectations and redefine what success means.
Comparison with Synonyms
- 'Measly' is often used interchangeably with words like 'paltry' or 'puny', but it carries a slightly more informal tone.
- While 'insignificant' denotes lack of importance, 'measly' emphasizes the smallness or deficiency of something.
Origin of 'measly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'measly' comes from 'measles', a disease that provides small spots on the skin, suggesting something small.
- The usage of 'measly' dates back to the early 19th century and was originally used to describe things that were diminutive or of lesser quality.
The word 'measly' has its origins in the late 19th century, derived from the word 'measle', which refers to a small or insignificant quantity. The term 'measle' itself comes from the Old English 'meas(e)l', meaning a small measure or a reminder of something trifling. Its use has remained relatively consistent over the years, often employed in both casual and informal contexts to express discontent regarding the size or value of an amount, particularly in contrasting it to what is deemed acceptable or worthy.