Basic Details
Word: Faintly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that is not strong or clear; slightly.
Synonyms: Weakly, dimly, slightly
Antonyms: Strongly, clearly, vividly
Idioms and Phrases
- Faint heart never won fair lady: This means that those who are timid or afraid will not achieve anything worthwhile. Example: "He was too shy to ask her out, but I told him that a faint heart never won fair lady."
- Faint hope: A very slight chance of something happening. Example: "She held a faint hope that her lost cat would return home."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The music could be heard faintly from the other room.
Example 2: She smiled faintly, showing that she was pleased but not overly excited.
Example 3: The stars shone faintly in the night sky, barely visible through the clouds.
Fun Fact
The word "faintly" comes from the Old French word "feint," meaning weak or feeble, which is also related to the Latin "fingere," meaning to shape or devise, reflecting a sense of slightness.
Famous Quote
"I would like to be remembered as someone who did the best she could with the talent she had." - J. K. Rowling
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "faintly" mean?
a) In a strong way
b) In a clear way
c) In a way that is not strong or clear
d) In a loud way
Answer: c) In a way that is not strong or clear
2. Which of these is a synonym of "faintly"?
a) Vividly
b) Brightly
c) Dimly
d) Clearly
Answer: c) Dimly
3. Which word is an antonym of "faintly"?
a) Slightly
b) Weakly
c) Strongly
d) Faintly
Answer: c) Strongly
4. Which sentence uses "faintly" correctly?
a) The light was faintly shining through the window.
b) She faintly read the book on the table.
c) He faintly ran to the finish line.
d) The faintly dog barked loudly.
Answer: a) The light was faintly shining through the window.
5. What does the idiom "faint hope" refer to?
a) A very strong chance of success
b) A very slight chance of something happening
c) A clear expectation
d) None of the above
Answer: b) A very slight chance of something happening
