meekness
UK[ˈmiːknəs]US[ˈmiːknəs]
n
the quality of being quiet, gentle, and unwilling to argue or express your opinions
Morpheme Breakdown
meek
ness
meek
ness
Etymology
the word 'meekness' originates from the old english adjective mēoc, which carried the sense of being gentle or humble. this term is of germanic lineage, related to old norse mjúkr meaning soft or pliant, suggesting a fundamental idea of being yielding or not resistant. the suffix -nes is a prolific old english agent for forming abstract nouns from adjectives, solidifying the concept into a named quality or state. thus, the literal combination of 'gentle' and 'the state of being' evolved to denote the modern abstract virtue of patient humility and submissiveness.
Analysis
Structure: meek + ness
meek: from old english mēoc (gentle, humble), of germanic origin. functions as the adjectival root describing the quality.
ness: from old english -nes, a noun-forming suffix indicating a state, quality, or condition. functions as a nominalizer.
Examples
his meekness in the face of criticism was often mistaken for weakness.
the spiritual teacher emphasized the importance of meekness over arrogance.
her natural meekness made her reluctant to put herself forward for the leadership role.