Langimage
English

meekly

|meek/ly|

B2

/ˈmiːkli/

(meek)

gentle and submissive

Base FormComparativeSuperlativeAdverb
meekmeekermeekestmeekly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'meekly' originates from the Old Norse word 'mjūkr', where 'mjūkr' meant 'soft' or 'gentle'.

Historical Evolution

'mjūkr' transformed into the Middle English word 'meek', and eventually became the modern English word 'meekly'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'soft or gentle', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'submissively or quietly'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner that is quiet, gentle, and submissive.

She meekly accepted the criticism without protest.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45