meagre - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
meagre Word Meanings
- not enough in quantity or quality
- thin or weak
- lacking in richness or abundance
meagre Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
meagre Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmiːɡə/
US
/ˈmiɡər/
meagre Word Etymology
meagre = ‘meagre’ (Latin: ‘macrus’ meaning 'thin') + ‘-e’ (adjective suffix). It originated from Latin, passed through Old French before becoming part of Middle English. Imagine a thin, frail tree standing alone in a barren field, representing scarcity.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Meagre describes something that is not enough in quantity or quality. It carries a negative, often formal or literary tone, and contrasts with more plentiful or generous supplies. In everyday British English you will see meagre used for wages, meal portions, resources or opportunities that feel insufficient, while Americans would normally say meager. It can describe both tangible and intangible things—food, income, prospects, or the richness of life. Its collocations tend to emphasize scarcity: a meagre budget, meagre harvest, meagre rewards. The word often implies an ineffectiveness or insufficiency rather than a simple small size. In journalism and literature, meagre can sharpen a scene of hardship.
Usage Reminders
- • UK spelling: meagre; US: meager
- • Indicates insufficient quantity or quality, often with a negative tone.
- • Common with nouns like budget, harvest, resources, meals.
- • Not used for positive, abundant contexts.
- • Can describe appearance (a meagre meal) as well as finances.
- • Pair with verbs like be, remain, yield to show insufficiency.
Common Misconceptions
- Meagre always means the same as 'small'—it can also imply low quality or insufficiency.
- It is just a spelling variant; there is no difference in meaning from meager.
- It only describes food or meals, not resources or opportunities.
- It is neutral, not negative or critical.
- It is equally common in American English.
Thinking Differences
In English, meagre often highlights not just small size but a negative feel of insufficiency; learners tend to over-literalize it as mere 'small' and may mix it with scarce or scant in contexts that require stronger nuance.
Learning Tips
- Compare meagre with meager to notice spelling and era differences.
- Use with nouns that imply insufficiency: budget, harvest, resources, opportunities.
- Practice with negative contexts to convey disappointment or hardship.
- Avoid confusing with 'mere' which means 'only' rather than 'insufficient'.
- Read British texts to see meagre in formal, literary tone.
- Create mini-dialogues about budgets or meals to solidify usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'meagre' mean?
A.Lacking in quantity or quality
B.Abundant and generous
C.Bright and cheerful
D.Fat and heavy
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'meagre' correctly?
A.The athlete's meagre performance impressed everyone.
B.The meagre cake was the best dessert at the party.
C.He had a meagre amount of money saved for his vacation.
D.She enjoyed her meagre garden filled with flowers.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'meagre'?
A.Abundant
B.Sparse
C.Rich
D.Plentiful
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'meagre'?
A.Abundant
B.Insufficient
C.Scarce
D.Limited
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is considered meagre?
A.The company had a very meagre budget for the project this year.
B.They received plenty of food for the family gathering.
C.His extensive library contains numerous valuable books.
D.The team celebrated their successful fundraising efforts.
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