Feeble
Adjective
Definition: lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
Synonyms: Weak, Frail, Delicate, Debilitated
Antonyms: Strong, Robust, Vigorous
Examples:
- The feeble old man struggled to lift the heavy box.
- The patient's feeble pulse indicated a decline in health.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "feeble" as a combination of "weak" and "feeble-minded" indicating both physical and mental weakness.
- Picture a feeble flame flickering and struggling to stay lit.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'feble', from Old French 'feble' or Latin 'flēbilis' (lamentable, plaintive).
Historical Usage:The word has been in use since the 14th century, primarily to describe a lack of physical strength.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Feeble attempt"
Explanation:Refers to a weak or inadequate effort made to achieve something.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "feeble" with "feeble-minded."
Explanation:While "feeble-minded" implies mental weakness or deficiency, "feeble" specifically refers to physical weakness or fragility.