Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Showing mildness, gentleness, or a lack of assertiveness: Describes a person who is quiet, gentle, and easily imposed upon; not inclined to anger or resistance.
   • Excessively submissive or compliant: Describes a person who shows too little spirit or courage; overly willing to yield to others.
   • Humble in spirit or manner: Suggests a retiring, mild, or even cowed nature.

Usage and Examples

• As a character trait:
  • She was a meek child who never spoke out of turn.
  • His meek demeanor made him a target for bullies.
• Describing submissive behavior:
  • The employees were meek and accepted the unfair pay cuts without complaint.
  • Don't be so meek; you must stand up for your rights.
• Describing humility:
  • He accepted the award with a meek and self-effacing smile.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Meek" can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being weak or lacking backbone, especially in contexts requiring assertiveness.
• In a positive or spiritual context (e.g., "the meek shall inherit the earth"), it describes virtuous humility and gentleness.
• "As meek as a lamb/mouse" is a common simile emphasizing extreme gentleness or docility.
  • After the scolding, he was as meek as a lamb.

Variants and Related Words

• Meekly (adverb): In a meek manner.
  • She nodded meekly in agreement.
• Meekness (noun): The quality or state of being meek.
  • His meekness was mistaken for a lack of conviction.

Synonyms

• Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
• Submissive: Meekly obedient or passive.
• Gentle: Mild in temperament or behavior.
• Humble: Having a modest or low view of one's importance.
• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence.

Antonyms

• Assertive: Having a confident and forceful personality.
• Aggressive: Ready or likely to confront or attack.
• Bold: Showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.
• Domineering: Asserting one's will over another in an arrogant way.

Idioms and Phrases

• The meek shall inherit the earth: A proverbial saying (from the Bible) suggesting that the humble and gentle will ultimately be rewarded.
• (As) meek as a lamb: Extremely gentle, docile, or submissive.
  • The formidable boss was as meek as a lamb at home with his children.

Adjective

1. evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant
   • compliant and anxious to suit his opinions of those of others
   • a fine fiery blast against meek conformity- Orville Prescott
   • she looked meek but had the heart of a lion
   • was submissive and subservient
2. very docile
   • tame obedience
   • meek as a mouse- Langston Hughes
3. humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
   • meek and self-effacing