exiguous
UK: ɪɡˈzɪɡ.ju.əs | US: ɪɡˈzɪɡ.ju.əs
adj. extremely small in size, quantity, or extent; meager
exiguous = ex<out> + igu<drive> + ous<adjective suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out")
- igu (from Latin exigere, "to drive out," derived from agere, "to drive")
- ous (adjective-forming suffix indicating possession or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word exiguous traces back to Latin exiguus, meaning "scanty" or "strictly measured," from exigere ("to drive out" or "demand"). The root agere ("to drive") implies a sense of forcing something to its limits, hence the connotation of extreme smallness. Over time, exiguous evolved to describe anything minimal or barely sufficient, reflecting its Latin roots in precision and scarcity.
The exiguous portions at the restaurant left the customers unsatisfied.
Despite his exiguous income, he managed to save money diligently.
The archaeologist found only exiguous fragments of the ancient pottery.
Her exiguous notes provided little help for the exam.
The team worked with exiguous resources but achieved remarkable results.