Wan

Adjective

Definition: Looking pale or sickly; lacking color or vitality.

Definition: Feeble or weak; lacking energy or enthusiasm.

Synonyms: Pale, Sickly, Pallid, Colorless

Antonyms: Vibrant, Healthy, Colorful, Lively

Examples:
  • She had a wan complexion, as if she hadn't slept in days.
  • His wan smile showed his exhaustion.
Mnemonics:
  • Imagine a person looking pale and exhausted, with a weak smile. This person appears wan.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English 'wan' meaning dark, dusky, or pale; related to Old Norse 'vǫnn' meaning pale or gray.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Old English and has retained its meaning throughout history.

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