Measly

Pronunciation: /ˈmizli/

Definitions of measly

adjective a small or inadequate amount; contemptibly small; paltry

Example Sentences

A1 The measly amount of food left in the fridge was not enough for dinner.

A2 She only received a measly score on the test, despite studying all night.

B1 The measly salary offered for the job was not enough to cover living expenses.

B2 After working hard all year, he was disappointed to receive a measly bonus.

C1 The measly turnout at the event was a disappointment for the organizers.

C2 Despite his years of experience, he was only offered a measly position at the company.

Examples of measly in a Sentence

formal The company offered a measly increase in salary to its employees.

informal I can't believe they only gave me a measly ten dollars for my birthday.

slang I worked overtime all week and got a measly paycheck.

figurative Her measly attempts at apologizing were not enough to repair the damage.

Grammatical Forms of measly

• past tense: measlied
• plural: measlies
• comparative: more measly
• superlative: most measly
• present tense: measlies
• future tense: will be measly
• perfect tense: have been measly
• continuous tense: being measly
• singular: measly
• positive degree: measly
• infinitive: to be measly
• gerund: measlying
• participle: measlied

Origin and Evolution of measly

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'measly' originated from the Middle English word 'mesel', which came from the Old French word 'mécelle' meaning leper. It was used to describe someone who was afflicted with leprosy.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'measly' evolved to describe something as contemptibly small or few, often used in a derogatory manner to indicate something as insignificant or worthless.