meek

[ meek ]

adjective

, meek·er, meek·est.

1. humbly patient or quiet in nature, as under provocation from others.

   Synonyms: yielding, soft, timid, weak, obedient, calm, pacific, unassuming, passive

2. overly submissive or compliant; tame.
3. Obsolete. gentle; kind.

meek

/ miːk /

adjective

1. patient, long-suffering, or submissive in disposition or nature; humble
2. spineless or spiritless; compliant
3. See gentle
   an obsolete word for gentle

Derived Forms

• ˈmeekness, noun
• ˈmeekly, adverb

Other Words From

• meek·ly adverb
• meek·ness noun
• o·ver·meek adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of meek¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English meke, meoc, from Old Norse mjūkr “soft, mild, meek”

Word History and Origins

Origin of meek¹

C12: related to Old Norse mjūkr amenable; compare Welsh mwytho to soften

Synonym Study

See gentle.

Example Sentences

Outside of that one encounter, however, Moses is pretty meek.

From The Daily Beast

But Kasich will perform some meek tap dance about repeal and replace, leaving the good parts.

From The Daily Beast

You must celebrate the peacemakers, the poor at heart, the meek.

From The Daily Beast

He was not a very nice guy, and maybe Linda was very meek … Nobody would touch Marilyn.

From The Daily Beast

From hip hop to electronic and indie rock and featuring artists like Meek Mill and Hem, see which music videos are becoming viral.

From The Daily Beast

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

From Project Gutenberg

“He was worth saving,” remarked Stanley, stooping to pat the meek head of the dog.

From Project Gutenberg

There was such pathos in her meek withdrawal into that little north room, that Brodrick hadn't the heart to keep her in it.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the meek-eyed woman reappeared, removed the dishes, returned once more, and looked fixedly at Thurstane's bloody sleeve.

From Project Gutenberg

They sent a shiver of feeling through the village, and turned the meek white horse into a charger of war.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deferential
• docile
• gentle
• passive
• serene
• subdued
• submissive
• timid
• unassuming