meck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, literary
Quick answer
What does “meck” mean?
Quiet, gentle, and submissive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Quiet, gentle, and submissive; not showing pride or self-assertiveness.
The term extends to describe someone who readily submits to authority, direction, or control without resistance, often implying a certain lack of spirit or backbone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition. Both dialects primarily use it in religious or literary contexts (e.g., 'the meek shall inherit the earth').
Connotations
Slightly more archaic or literary in feel for both. In American religious discourse, it may be slightly more common due to evangelical culture.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. Slightly higher in British English due to its classical literary heritage, but still uncommon.
Grammar
How to Use “meck” in a Sentence
[be] meek and [adj. quality][be] meek in the face of [something][Subject] remains/remained meekVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meck” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He nodded meekly and accepted the unfair criticism.
- The puppy followed its owner meekly, head lowered.
American English
- She meekly surrendered her phone when her parents asked for it.
- The defendant stood meekly before the judge.
adjective
British English
- His meek apology did little to placate the furious board members.
- She spoke in a surprisingly meek voice, quite unlike her usual confident tone.
American English
- He was far too meek to ask for the raise he deserved.
- The documentary portrayed the animals not as fierce, but as meek and vulnerable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used pejoratively to describe an uncompetitive employee or manager, e.g., 'His meek approach lost us the account.'
Academic
Rare, found in religious studies, literature, or philosophy discussing virtues, ethics, or character archetypes.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. When used, often in the phrase 'meek and mild' or to describe someone's unexpected quietness.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meck”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meck”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meck”
- Confusing 'meck' with 'weak' (which refers to lack of strength, not necessarily disposition). Misspelling as 'meak'. Using it as a positive synonym for 'polite' or 'respectful'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is often slightly negative or pitying, implying a lack of necessary assertiveness or spirit. However, in religious contexts (e.g., 'meek spirit'), it can be a positive virtue meaning 'humble before God'.
'Humble' means having a modest view of one's importance and is generally positive. 'Meek' specifically refers to being submissive and yielding, and can suggest a lack of courage or strength. A humble person might still be assertive when needed; a meek person likely would not.
It is primarily used for human behaviour or temperament. While it can be used metaphorically for animals ('as meek as a lamb'), describing an inanimate object as 'meck' would be highly unusual and poetic.
No, it is considered a low-frequency, somewhat literary or formal word. It is most commonly encountered in the fixed phrase 'meek and mild' or the biblical quote 'the meek shall inherit the earth.'
Quiet, gentle, and submissive.
Meck is usually formal, literary in register.
Meck: in British English it is pronounced /miːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /miːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) meek as a lamb”
- “the meek shall inherit the earth”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, quiet mouse with a WEEK (sounds like 'meek') calendar, too timid to even squeak about its plans.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBMISSION IS PHYSICAL SMALLNESS/LOWNESS (e.g., 'meek as a mouse', 'bowed his head meekly').
Practice
Quiz
In the famous biblical saying 'the _____ shall inherit the earth', which word completes the phrase?