meek

USAGE SUMMARY

"meek" is a perfectly acceptable word to use in written English.
The word "meek" can be used to describe a person who is humble and patient, often to the point of being timid. For example, "She was meek but determined to stand up for her beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The label does warn you of its "subtle hop flavour", but, really, life is too short for beers this meek.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gaël Clichy's meek defending when James Perch scored Wigan's second probably illustrates why Pellegrini prefers Aleksander Kolarov, who is not immune to the odd dicey moment, while Joleon Lescott, making a rare appearance, was also shaky.

The Guardian - Sport

The climbdown from motorcycle convoy to single four-wheeled vehicle led the tabloid Bild to ask: "Are the wild wolves … turning into the meek lambs?" The Night Wolves had been expected at Dachau from midday on Monday, with scores of media representatives waiting for their arrival.

The Guardian

We've seen Inge be an independent firebrand so her return to meek subservient daughter is a bit hard to credit but she hands the child over and marries the dreadful Didrich, quickly becoming pregnant again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Harry Kane was instrumental in elevating Tottenham Hotspur above Liverpool and straight into the group stage of the Europa League while Everton embarked on a sheepish "lap of appreciation" after the final whistle following one more meek display.

The Guardian - Sport

Dealmaking investment bankers are hardly a meek bunch, yet many recall bruising encounters with him.

The Economist

("Will they stay meek?") By the by, Mr Buffett said he mishandled the announcement of Mr Sokol's departure, not least by issuing a poorly worded press release that failed sufficiently to communicate his "outrage".

The Economist

After Mr Ahmadinejad was elected in 2005, to the surprise of almost all the pundits, it was widely assumed he would be a meek figurehead.

The Economist

A haughty-looking bishop is having breakfast with his meek, retiring curate.

The Economist

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukDELHI'S uppity youth wield their influence with one bullying question: "Do you know who my father is?" Every low-level bureaucrat knows that the only acceptable response is meek surrender.

The Economist

His reaction to America's "crisis of capitalism" has been derided as meek.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meek" to describe someone who is humble and patient, especially when facing difficult situations. It emphasizes a gentle and submissive nature.

Common error

Avoid using "meek" when you mean "weak". "Meek" implies a controlled gentleness, while "weak" implies a lack of power or strength.

Linguistic Context

The word "meek" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a quality of being humble, submissive, or patient. Examples from Ludwig indicate its use in various contexts, showcasing its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "meek" functions as an adjective to describe someone humble, modest, and often submissive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While commonly used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it is important to distinguish its gentle strength from simple weakness. When writing, using "meek" conveys a sense of controlled gentleness and patience. Ludwig's examples show "meek" has a very high usage frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submissive

Implies a yielding attitude and obedience to authority.

docile

Suggests an easily managed and trained nature.

gentle

Highlights a kind and tender disposition.

mild-mannered

Emphasizes a calm and temperate character.

humble

Focuses on a lack of pride and a modest view of oneself.

unassuming

Indicates a modest and reserved demeanor.

compliant

Stresses a willingness to agree and obey.

deferential

Signifies respect and courteous regard for others.

retiring

Suggests a shy and reserved nature, avoiding attention.

tame

Indicates a state of being subdued or domesticated.

FAQs

How to use "meek" in a sentence?

You can use "meek" to describe someone's character, for example: "Despite the abuse, she remained "meek" and forgiving."

What can I say instead of "meek"?

You can use alternatives like "humble", "gentle", or "submissive", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "meek" or "mild"?

"Meek" implies a submissive and patient nature, while "mild" suggests a gentle and temperate disposition. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "meek" and "timid"?

"Meek" suggests a gentle and patient nature, often by choice, while "timid" implies a fearfulness or shyness.