MEEKNESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does meekness mean? 

• MEEKNESS (noun)
  The noun MEEKNESS has 2 senses:

1. the feeling of patient, submissive humbleness

2. a disposition to be patient and long suffering

  Familiarity information: MEEKNESS used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MEEKNESS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The feeling of patient, submissive humbleness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions

Synonyms:

meekness; submission

Hypernyms ("meekness" is a kind of...):

humbleness; humility (a humble feeling)

Derivation:

meek (humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness)

meek (very docile)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A disposition to be patient and long suffering

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

meekness; subduedness

Hypernyms ("meekness" is a kind of...):

humbleness; humility (a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "meekness"):

spinelessness (the quality of lacking a strong character; an irresolute disposition)

Derivation:

meek (evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant)

meek (humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness)

 Context examples 

What have I done to deserve such a fate, I who have tried to walk in meekness and righteousness all my days.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Then patchwork or towels appeared, and Amy sewed with outward meekness and inward rebellion till dusk, when she was allowed to amuse herself as she liked till teatime.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

For a moment the blood of the long line of hot-headed thanes was too strong for the soft whisperings of the doctrine of meekness and mercy.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The team dispersed in ignominious defeat, and it was not until after dark that the dogs came sneaking back, one by one, by meekness and humility signifying their fealty to White Fang.

(White Fang, by Jack London)