English vocabulary · B1
Meek
/miːk/ · adj.
It means quiet and gentle, not willing to fight back or say no. You let others lead without saying anything.
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Example sentences
- She was too meek to ask for a raise.
- He sat meek and silent while others shouted.
Word origin and roots
from Old Norse
- mjukr — soft (from Old Norse)
Synonyms and nuances
- GENTLE — kind and calm (Soft in nature)
- TIMID — easily scared or shy (Afraid to speak or act)
- PASSIVE — letting things happen (Not taking action)
Similar words
- timid
- gentle
- passive
Lesson notes
Meek. It means quiet and gentle, not willing to fight back or say no. You let others lead without saying anything.
Similar words are gentle, timid, and passive. Use meek when someone is too quiet and never pushes back.
She was too meek to ask for a raise. He sat meek and silent while others shouted.
From Old Norse. Mjukr- means soft. Soft like water — always giving way, never pushing back. That is meek.