Word: Meagre
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: The word "meagre" describes something that is very small in amount, quality, or extent. When something is meagre, it is not enough or is lacking in some way.
Usage Instructions:
Use "meagre" to describe things like food, resources, information, or any situation where there is not enough of something.
It is often used in a negative context to express disappointment or insufficiency.
Examples:
The family's dinner was meagre, consisting of just a small piece of bread and some water.
After the storm, the town's meagre resources made it difficult to rebuild.
Advanced Usage:
In more sophisticated writing or speech, "meagre" can be used to discuss abstract concepts, like "meagre opportunities for advancement" or "meagre support from the community."
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
While "meagre" primarily refers to something that is insufficient, it can also imply a lack of richness or fullness. For example, a "meagre performance" might indicate that a performance was not very impressive.
Synonyms:
Insufficient
Scant
Sparse
Paltry
Thin
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Make do with meagre means": This idiom means to manage or survive with very limited resources.
There are no common phrasal verbs directly associated with "meagre," but you might say "get by on meagre savings," which implies managing to live on a small amount of money.
Summary:
"Meagre" is an adjective that means something is lacking in quantity or quality. It’s often used for food, resources, or any context where there isn’t enough of something.