Definitions
- Used to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something. - Referring to something that is only what it appears to be and nothing more. - Describing something that is considered to be just enough or barely sufficient.
- Describing something that is lacking in quantity, quality, or substance. - Referring to something that is considered to be insufficient or inadequate. - Talking about something that is barely enough to meet basic needs or requirements.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is considered to be small or insufficient.
- 2Both words can be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.
- 3Both words are negative in connotation.
- 4Both words can be used to describe physical or non-physical things.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree: Mere implies something that is small or insignificant, while meager implies something that is lacking or inadequate.
- 2Quantity: Mere refers to a small amount or number, while meager refers to an amount that is barely enough or insufficient.
- 3Quality: Mere does not imply anything about the quality of the thing being described, while meager suggests that the quality is poor or lacking.
- 4Expectations: Mere can be used to describe something that meets expectations, while meager implies that something falls short of expectations.
- 5Usage: Mere is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts than meager.
Remember this!
Mere and meager are synonyms that describe something that is small or insufficient. However, the difference between the two is their degree and quality. Mere implies something that is small or insignificant, while meager implies something that is lacking or inadequate. Additionally, meager suggests that the quality is poor or lacking, while mere does not imply anything about the quality of the thing being described.
