Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/iːk/

Definitions

• 1. To manage to make a living or survive, usually with difficulty or by using limited resources.
• 2. To make something last longer by using it sparingly or by managing it with care.

Usage Examples

• "Despite the economic challenges, they managed to eke out a living by working multiple jobs."
• "She had to eke out the last few bits of the supplies to survive until help arrived."
• "They eked out a modest profit during the tough year."

Etymology

Originating from Middle English "eken," meaning "to increase" or "to stretch out." The word has been used since the 14th century and has evolved to mean "to make something last" or "to manage with difficulty."

Synonyms

• Scrape by
• Manage
• Survive
• Stretch

Antonyms

• Flourish
• Thrive
• Prosper

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In English, "eke" is typically pronounced with a long "e" sound (/iːk/). However, in some regional dialects, particularly in Northern England, the pronunciation may be slightly shortened to /ɪk/ or /eɪk/ depending on the speaker’s accent.

Historical Usage

The term "eke" has been in use since the early Middle English period, stemming from the Old English word "ēcan," which means "to increase" or "to stretch." Over time, it evolved in meaning to signify struggling to make ends meet or to survive with limited resources.

Cultural Nuances

The word "eke" often carries a connotation of resilience and persistence. It is commonly used to describe individuals or communities that manage to survive under challenging circumstances, whether financially, emotionally, or physically. It is often associated with resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

More Information

In modern usage, "eke" is often found in phrases like "eke out a living" or "eke out a profit," implying that a person is barely surviving or managing with minimal resources. It is frequently used to describe individuals who face economic hardship or have to work hard to make limited resources last longer. The term is also metaphorically applied to situations where minimal progress is achieved despite obstacles.