How Do You Spell FAINT?

Pronunciation: [fˈe͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The spelling of "faint" is a great example of how English phonetics can be tricky. While the word has only five letters, it is pronounced differently than it looks. In IPA phonetic transcription, "faint" is spelled /feɪnt/. This means that the "ai" combination is pronounced as a long "a" sound, as in "mate" or "bake." It is important to pay attention to the phonetic spelling of words to accurately pronounce them, especially when learning a new language.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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FAINT Meaning and Definition

  1. Faint is primarily an adjective and can be used to describe various situations, perceptions, or qualities. When used as an adjective to describe a person, it means lacking strength, vigor, or consciousness. This could refer to a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain, resulting in a brief period of unconsciousness. It can also describe a person who appears weak, feeble, or lacking energy.

    In relation to sensations or perceptions, faint refers to something that is barely perceptible, indistinct, or very feeble. For instance, a faint sound is one that is barely audible or difficult to hear, whereas a faint odor is one that is very subtle or barely discernible.

    Faint can also be used as a verb, although less commonly. As a verb, it means to lose consciousness temporarily. For example, a person may faint due to extreme emotions, phobias, or situations that cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

    Considering its different uses and meanings, faint often implies something weak, faintly noticeable, or barely existing. It is commonly associated with a lack of strength, intensity, or consciousness.

  2. 1. Extremely weak, threatened with syncope. 2. An attack of syncope.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Weak; exhausted; inclined to swoon; not bright, as a colour; not loud; timorous; cowardly; slight or imperfect, as a faint resemblance, a faint smell.
    • To swoon; to be weak; to become weary; to become senseless and motionless; to sink into dejection; to lose courage.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FAINT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FAINT

Etymology of FAINT

The word "faint" originated from the Old French word "feindre" and the Latin word "fingere", both of which mean "to pretend" or "to fabricate". Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to convey a lack of strength, substantiality, or intensity. In Middle English, the term "faint" began to be used specifically to describe a loss of consciousness or a state of weakness. Thus, the word gradually shifted to its current sense, referring to a feeling of lightheadedness or near loss of consciousness.

Idioms with the word FAINT

  • damn sb with faint praise The idiom "damn someone with faint praise" means to criticize or belittle someone subtly or indirectly by giving them compliments that are so unenthusiastic or insincere that they have the effect of undermining or diminishing their abilities or achievements.
  • faint dead away The idiom "faint dead away" means to suddenly and completely lose consciousness or collapse due to shock, surprise, or extreme emotions.
  • damn (sb/sth) with faint praise The idiom "damn (sb/sth) with faint praise" means to praise someone or something insincerely or with such minimal enthusiasm that it actually implies criticism or disapproval. Despite using positive words, the underlying tone or lack of genuine endorsement suggests a less favorable opinion.
  • damn sm or sth with faint praise The phrase "damn someone or something with faint praise" means to subtly criticize or express disapproval for another person or thing by giving a compliment that is weak or lacks genuine enthusiasm. It implies that although the words spoken may appear positive on the surface, their true intention is to belittle or undermine.
  • faint of heart The idiom "faint of heart" means someone who lacks courage, determination, or the ability to handle difficult or challenging situations. It is often used to describe individuals who are easily afraid, discouraged, or hesitant when faced with adversity.
  • faint from sth The idiom "faint from sth" means to lose consciousness or become extremely weak and lightheaded due to a particular cause or circumstance. It typically implies being overwhelmed or affected by something to the extent that it leads to a temporary state of unconsciousness or extreme physical weakness.
  • damn with faint praise The idiom "damn with faint praise" refers to expressing seemingly positive or complimentary statements about someone or something, but in a way that actually undermines or criticizes them. It involves the use of subtle criticism disguised as praise, often with the intention of belittling or devaluing the person or thing being described.
  • damn somebody/something with faint praise The idiom "damn somebody/something with faint praise" means to give a compliment or praise that is so weak or insincere that it actually reflects negatively on the person or thing being praised. It implies that, rather than offering genuine admiration or commendation, the speaker is subtly criticizing or belittling the subject in a subtle or backhanded manner.
  • damn (someone or something) with faint praise The idiom "damn (someone or something) with faint praise" refers to the act of offering a compliment that appears positive on the surface but, in reality, is subtly critical or dismissive. It entails the use of weak or insincere words of praise that fail to acknowledge or appreciate the true value or quality of someone or something, often resulting in a backhanded compliment. This expression implies that the praise given is insufficient, unenthusiastic, or undermines the person or object being discussed.
  • damn someone/something with faint praise The idiom "damn someone/something with faint praise" refers to giving someone or something a compliment that appears positive on the surface but is actually dismissive or subtly critical. It implies that the praise is so lukewarm or lackluster that it actually undermines the person or thing being praised.
  • be not for the faint-hearted The idiom "be not for the faint-hearted" can be defined as referring to something that is not suitable for or appealing to people who are easily frightened, discouraged, or lack courage. It typically implies that the task, situation, or experience requires great strength, bravery, or endurance.
  • faint from something The idiom "faint from something" refers to losing consciousness or becoming very weak or dizzy as a result of a particular cause or stimulus.
  • a faint heart The idiom "a faint heart" refers to someone lacking courage, determination, or resilience to face challenges or take risks. It is often used to imply that someone is easily discouraged or hesitant when confronted with difficulties or tough decisions.
  • faint heart never won fair lady The idiom "faint heart never won fair lady" means that those who are hesitant or lack courage will never succeed in winning the affection or attention of a desired person or achieving their goals. It encourages taking risks, showing confidence, and being bold in pursuing what one desires.
  • faint from To feel dizzy, weak, and lose consciousness briefly due to a sudden strong emotion or physical exertion.
  • come over (all) faint, dizzy, giddy, etc. To suddenly feel faint, dizzy, giddy, or unwell.

Similar spelling words for FAINT

Plural form of FAINT is FAINTS

Conjugate verb Faint

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have fainted
you would have fainted
he/she/it would have fainted
we would have fainted
they would have fainted
I would have faint
you would have faint
he/she/it would have faint
we would have faint
they would have faint

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been fainting
you would have been fainting
he/she/it would have been fainting
we would have been fainting
they would have been fainting

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would faint
you would faint
he/she/it would faint
we would faint
they would faint

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be fainting
you would be fainting
he/she/it would be fainting
we would be fainting
they would be fainting

FUTURE

I will faint
you will faint
he/she/it will faint
we will faint
they will faint

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be fainting
you will be fainting
he/she/it will be fainting
we will be fainting
they will be fainting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have fainted
you will have fainted
he/she/it will have fainted
we will have fainted
they will have fainted

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been fainting
you will have been fainting
he/she/it will have been fainting
we will have been fainting
they will have been fainting

IMPERATIVE

you faint
we let´s faint

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to faint

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was fainting
you were fainting
he/she/it was fainting
we were fainting
they were fainting

PAST PARTICIPLE

fainted

PAST PERFECT

I had fainted
you had fainted
he/she/it had fainted
we had fainted
they had fainted

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been fainting
you had been fainting
he/she/it had been fainting
we had been fainting
they had been fainting

PRESENT

I faint
you faint
he/she/it faints
we faint
they faint

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am fainting
you are fainting
he/she/it is fainting
we are fainting
they are fainting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

fainting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have fainted
you have fainted
he/she/it has fainted
we have fainted
they have fainted

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been fainting
you have been fainting
he/she/it has been fainting
we have been fainting
they have been fainting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it faint

SIMPLE PAST

I fainted
you fainted
he/she/it fainted
we fainted
they fainted

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