What does meekest mean?
Meekest is the superlative form of the adjective meek. It describes someone or something that is the most humble, gentle, patient, unassuming, or compliant in a comparison. Its strongest traditional associations are with religious or moral language, in which meekness contrasts with pride, aggression, or the desire to dominate. In contemporary use, the word can be complimentary, especially when praising someone's quiet generosity or willingness to be overlooked. It can also carry a faintly critical or archaic tone when it implies passivity, submissiveness, or an absence of resistance. The expression “as meek as a lamb” is a traditional comparison for unusual gentleness or compliance. Because meekest explicitly expresses a comparison, it usually appears when at least two people or things are being considered.
adjectiveThe superlative of meek: humblest, gentlest, or most patient and compliant.
- Humble, gentle, patient, or compliant, especially when compared with other people.
"The meekest volunteer in the group offered to stay behind and clean up."
"Of all the witnesses, she gave the meekest account of what had happened."
"The story portrays the youngest disciple as the meekest and most trusting."
A classic contrast makes the idea memorable: the meekest person is not necessarily the weakest, but is often the least likely to seek power over others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of meekest
The word derives from the Old English adjective mēoc, meaning “soft,” “gentle,” or “humble.” It developed through Germanic from a root associated with softness and mildness, and its modern sense reflects a long-standing association between physical gentleness, humility, and submission. The superlative ending was added in the usual English way, with the form inherited and used alongside variants such as meeker and more meek.
Related word forms
How meekest is actually used
The word is now relatively literary or formal, though it remains widely understood. It can sound approving when describing patience and gentleness, but potentially dismissive when describing excessive compliance.
Easily confused with meekest
Meekest describes humble or gentle conduct, whereas weakest describes a lack of physical strength, influence, or capability.
Meek is the base adjective; meekest is its superlative form, used when comparing more than one person or thing.