faint

[feynt]

adjective

fainter, faintest 

1. lacking brightness, vividness, clearness, loudness, strength, etc..

   a faint light;

   a faint color;

   a faint sound.

   Synonyms: dull, dim, ill-defined, indistinct

2. feeble or slight.

   faint resistance;

   faint praise;

   a faint resemblance.

   Synonyms: weak, irresolute

3. feeling weak, dizzy, or exhausted; about to lose consciousness.

   faint with hunger.

   Synonyms: languid

4. lacking courage; cowardly; timorous.

   Faint heart never won fair maid.

   Synonyms: dastardly, timid, fearful, pusillanimous

5. Law.,  unfounded.

   a faint action.

verb (used without object)

1. to lose consciousness temporarily.

2. to lose brightness.

3. Archaic.,  to grow weak; lose spirit or courage.

noun

1. a temporary loss of consciousness resulting from a decreased flow of blood to the brain; a swoon.

   to fall into a faint.

faint

/ feɪnt /

adjective

1. lacking clarity, brightness, volume, etc

   a faint noise

2. lacking conviction or force; weak

   faint praise

3. feeling dizzy or weak as if about to lose consciousness

4. without boldness or courage; timid (esp in the combination faint-hearted )

5. no idea whatsoever

   I haven't the faintest

verb

1. to lose consciousness, esp momentarily, as through weakness

2. archaic,  to fail or become weak, esp in hope or courage

noun

1. Technical name: syncope. a sudden spontaneous loss of consciousness, usually momentary, caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the brain

Other Word Forms

• faintly adverb
• faintness noun
• faintishness noun
• faintish adjective
• faintingly adverb
• fainter noun
• overfaint adjective
• overfaintly adverb
• overfaintness noun
• unfainting adjective
• unfaintly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of faint¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French: literally, “feigned,” past participle of faindre, feindre “to feign”; feign

Word History and Origins

Origin of faint¹

C13: from Old French, from faindre to be idle

Idioms and Phrases

see damn with faint praise.

Example Sentences

Penumbral lunar eclipse – A more subtle occurrence, where the Moon travels through the outer part of Earth's shadow, resulting in a faint dimming.

From BBC

Le Tellier’s latest book was sparked by the discovery of a faint name scratched into the wall of his newly acquired home.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a faint silver lining for Texas Democrats facing gerrymandered districts: They could forge new careers, and energize the base, by pursuing statewide office.

From Salon

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting and muscle cramps.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the faintest irritation, say a restaurant chain tinkering with its logo, can summon thousands to the same digital square.

From Salon

Related Words

• delicate 
• dim 
• distant 
• dull 
• far-off 
• gentle 
• hazy 
• inaudible 
• mild 
• muffled www.thesaurus.com
• muted 
• remote 
• slight 
• soft 
• soothing 
• stifled 
• vague 
• weak