What does meek mean?
“Meek” describes someone who is humble, gentle, and unassertive. In a positive context, it can suggest patience, modesty, and a lack of self-importance: a meek person may listen carefully or accept a difficult situation with dignity. The word can also carry a critical sense, implying that someone is excessively submissive, passive, or unwilling to challenge others. Its religious and literary associations give it an additional sense of spiritual humility. “Meek” is related to “meekness,” the quality of being humble or submissive, and is used with phrases such as “meek and mild” and “meek acceptance.” Although the word is fully standard in modern English, it can sound somewhat old-fashioned in everyday conversation.
adjectiveHumble, gentle, and unassertive in manner. It can also mean excessively submissive or compliant.
- Humble, gentle, and unassuming in manner.
- Submissive, compliant, or too readily yielding to others.
- Soft or mild in an older or literary sense.
"She remained meek and patient despite the criticism."
"The child was meek but determined to tell the truth."
"He accepted the criticism with meek resignation."
Once “meek” meant soft or gentle; over time, it came to suggest a submissive or unassertive person.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meek come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old Norse mjúkr, meaning “soft” or “gentle.” Its older sense of physical softness developed into the modern meanings of humility and submissiveness. The Old Norse word has close relatives in Scandinavian languages, including Danish mjuk and Icelandic mjúkur.
Related word forms
How meek is actually used
The word can be approving when it describes patience, humility, or gentleness, but it may sound mildly disparaging when it implies excessive compliance or an absence of confidence.
Easily confused with meek
“Meek” emphasizes humility or submissiveness, whereas “mild” primarily refers to gentleness, moderation, or a lack of severity.