Differences between eke out and mete out

Eke out means to barely manage to make something last or to obtain something with difficulty, while mete out means to distribute or give out something in a measured or limited way.

Meanings and Definitions: eke out vs mete out

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Eke out

1Make something like money last as long as possible.
Most students have to EKE OUT their income because they have so little money to live on.

Mete out

1Give people harsh punishments or treatment.
They METED OUT savage penalties to anyone who broke the law.

Usage Examples: eke out, mete out in Sentences

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eke out

Example

She tries to eke out her savings by shopping at discount stores.

Example

He ekes out his monthly salary by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.

mete out

Example

The judge decided to mete out a severe punishment for the crime.

Example

The strict teacher metes out detentions for even minor infractions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Eke out

scrape by

To barely manage to survive or make ends meet with limited resources.

Example

After losing his job, he had to scrape by on part-time work and savings until he found a new one.

make do with

To manage or cope with something that is not ideal or sufficient.

Example

Since they didn't have enough chairs, they had to make do with some pillows on the floor.

squeeze out

To obtain or achieve something with great effort or difficulty.

Example

She had to squeeze out every last drop of energy to finish the marathon.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mete out

dole out

To distribute or give out something in small or limited amounts.

Example

The teacher dole out candy to the students who answered the questions correctly.

administer justice

To apply or enforce the law fairly and impartially.

Example

The judge must administer justice without bias or prejudice.

hand down

To give a decision, verdict, or sentence, especially by a higher authority.

Example

The Supreme Court handed down a landmark ruling on civil rights.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in eke out vs mete out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: eke out or mete out?

In daily conversation, people use eke out less often than mete out. This is because mete out is used in a wider range of contexts such as justice, punishment, and rewards. Eke out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about making something last or obtaining something with difficulty. So, while both phrases are used, mete out is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of eke out and mete out

Eke out and mete out are both formal phrases often used in written or spoken English. They are suitable for formal interactions in business, academic, or legal contexts. In informal settings like casual conversations with friends and family, using alternative expressions can convey a more natural tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of eke out and mete out

The tone of eke out and mete out can differ based on context. Eke out often carries a desperate or struggling tone when related to survival or finances, while mete out typically has a serious and authoritative tone, especially when referring to justice or punishment.

eke out & mete out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Eke out

Synonyms

Antonyms

Mete out

Synonyms

Antonyms