Word
meek
US/ˈmik/
UK/mˈiːk/
Definition
adj. quiet, gentle, and unwilling to argue with other people. You use this to describe someone who does what others want without complaining.
adj. quiet, gentle, and submissive; deficient in spirit or courage. Often carries a negative connotation of being too easily dominated by others.
Examples
“He was too meek to ask for a pay rise.”
“The manager expected a fight, but the employees remained meek and accepted the new rules without a word.”
“In many classic stories, the protagonist begins as a meek and overlooked figure before discovering the inner strength required to confront their oppressors.”
Examples
simple
“He was too meek to ask for a pay rise.”
contextual
“The manager expected a fight, but the employees remained meek and accepted the new rules without a word.”
complex
“In many classic stories, the protagonist begins as a meek and overlooked figure before discovering the inner strength required to confront their oppressors.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“Here, everyone seems quite meek and pleasant, and without any obvious dynamic.” “A side that has produced some of the sport's most fearsome bowlers were also meek with the ball and poor in the field.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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