exiguity
/,eksi'gju:iti/ Cách viết khác : (exiguousness) /eg'zigjuəsnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The quality or state of being extremely small or scanty in amount or extent; meagerness. It refers to a pronounced insufficiency, scantiness, or narrowness.
Usage and Examples
Noun: - The primary use is to describe a severe lack or insufficiency in quantity, size, or degree. - The exiguity of the food supplies forced the explorers to turn back. - Critics noted the exiguity of evidence supporting the new theory. - The exiguity of his income made saving money impossible.
Advanced Usage
- Formal and Literary Context: "Exiguity" is a formal, somewhat literary word, often used in academic, critical, or descriptive writing to emphasize a striking or problematic scarcity.
- The report highlighted the exiguity of resources allocated to public health.
- Describing Abstract and Concrete Nouns: It can describe both tangible things (like resources, space) and intangible things (like evidence, talent).
- The exiguity of the apartment was its main drawback. (Concrete)
- Despite the exiguity of her experience, she performed brilliantly. (Abstract)
Variants and Related Words
- Exiguous (adjective): Extremely small in amount or size; meager.
- They survived on an exiguous diet of roots and berries.
- Exiguousness (noun): A less common synonym for "exiguity," meaning the state of being exiguous.
Synonyms
- Meagerness / Meagreness
- Scantiness
- Insufficiency
- Paucity
- Sparseness
Antonyms
- Abundance
- Plenitude
- Amplitude
- Profusion
- Copiousness
Notes on Usage
- Register: This is a high-register, formal term. In everyday conversation, words like "scarcity," "lack," or "shortage" are more common.
- Prepositions: Commonly used with "of" (the exiguity something).
- Connotation: The word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the small amount is inadequate or disappointing.
Noun
- the quality of being meager
- an exiguity of cloth that would only allow of miniature capes-George Eliot