Meekly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone shows humility and has a quiet, gentle, and submissive nature.

• She nodded meekly and followed the instructions.
• He answered the questions meekly, avoiding any confrontation.

Appropriate for situations where someone obeys or yields to another's authority or will without question, often with a negative connotation.

• The employee followed his boss's orders submissively.
• She accepted the harsh criticism submissively, without arguing.

Used to describe actions performed with a lack of confidence or with shyness.

• The child spoke up timidly, afraid of being wrong.
• He reached out timidly to shake hands with his idol.

Applicable when something is done with a slight or gentle manner, often with a bit of restraint or moderation.

• She smiled mildly at the compliment.
• He felt mildly annoyed but didn't show it.

Use in situations where someone is showing a lack of self-assertion or determination, often accepting things quietly without protest.

• She accepted the criticism meekly, without saying a word.
• He meekly followed the instructions, even though he didn't quite agree.

Used when describing actions or behaviors that show a willingness to obey or yield to others, often with a sense of inferiority or lack of resistance. This word usually has a somewhat negative connotation.

• The dog looked up submissively at its owner.
• She nodded submissively, not daring to argue.

Ideal for describing behaviors or actions done with a sense of fear or shyness, often involving a lack of confidence or courage.

• He timidly knocked on the door, hoping not to disturb anyone.
• She spoke so timidly that it was hard to hear her.

Appropriate in situations where something is done in a gentle or moderate manner, often used to describe responses or actions that are not strong or extreme.

• He was mildly surprised by the news.
• The teacher corrected the student mildly, without raising her voice.