# meek

/ˈmik/ (US) · /mˈiːk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meek
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

quiet, gentle, and unwilling to argue with other people. You use this to describe someone who does what others want without complaining.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'remain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.