meed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary / Poetic / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “meed” mean?
A deserved share or reward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deserved share or reward; something earned or merited.
An archaic or poetic term for a fitting recompense, often implying a just reward for service, merit, or hardship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes antiquity, formality, and poetic justice.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech and writing in both the UK and US, found primarily in historical texts, poetry, or deliberate archaisms.
Grammar
How to Use “meed” in a Sentence
receive/earn/deserve + [possessive] + meedthe meed of + [abstract noun (e.g., praise, honour)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or literary analysis discussing older texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meed”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meed”
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'need' in speech due to identical pronunciation.
- Using it as a verb (it is solely a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic or literary word and is very rarely used in modern everyday English.
No, 'meed' is only a noun. There is no verb form in standard modern English.
'Meed' specifically implies a reward that is deserved or merited, often with a formal or poetic tone. 'Reward' is a general, neutral term used in all registers.
To create a specific stylistic effect, such as evoking an older time period, adding poetic weight, or emphasizing the concept of just desert.
A deserved share or reward.
Meed is usually literary / poetic / archaic in register.
Meed: in British English it is pronounced /miːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /miːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in contemporary use. Historically found in phrases like 'meed of praise'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEED as a reward you MEritEED.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A DEBT (a meed is a debt owed for merit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'meed' be MOST appropriate?