Pronunciation: [dɪbˈa͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The word "debile" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, though the pronunciation does not indicate the presence of this letter. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ˈdɛbəl/, with stress on the first syllable. The "e" at the end is not pronounced, and the "i" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. "Debile" is an adjective that describes someone or something as weak, frail, or unable to resist stress or pressure.
Debile is an adjective that refers to something or someone that is weak, feeble, or lacking in strength or vitality. It is typically used to describe physical or mental weakness and can apply to individuals, organisms, or even systems.
In the context of physical weakness, debile indicates a lack of strength or power, often resulting in a diminished ability to carry out physical activities or withstand force or exertion. This can be seen in the case of a debile individual who struggles with physical tasks or has limited endurance.
In terms of mental weakness or debility, it implies a lack of intellectual or cognitive strength, impaired mental faculties, or diminished mental capacities. This could manifest as a person's incapacity to think clearly or make rational decisions, often due to a pre-existing condition or illness.
Furthermore, debile can also be used in a broader sense to describe a system or concept that is fragile, easily affected, or susceptible to failure. For example, a debile economic structure might refer to a vulnerable economy that is inefficient, unstable, or prone to collapse.
Overall, debile conveys the notion of something being weak or lacking in vigor, whether it pertains to physical, mental, or more abstract aspects. It characterizes a state of diminished strength or vitality, highlighting the fragility and vulnerability of the subject in question.
Weak.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "debile" is derived from the Latin adjective "debilis". In Latin, "debilis" means "weak" or "feeble". It is believed to have originated from the combination of the prefix "de-" (meaning "down" or "away") and the root word "habilis" (meaning "able" or "capable"). Hence, "debilis" refers to the loss or absence of the ability to do something, indicating weakness or fragility. Over time, this Latin term made its way into various Romance languages, including French ("débile"), Spanish ("débil"), and Italian ("debole"), with similar connotations of feebleness or lack of strength.
