How Do You Spell INFIRM?

Pronunciation: [ɪnfˈɜːm] (IPA)

The word "infirm" is spelled with five letters: i, n, f, i, and m. It is pronounced /ɪnˈfɜrm/ (in-furm) with the first syllable emphasized. The "i" in "in" is pronounced like the "i" in "sit," while the "i" in "firm" is pronounced like the "i" in "bird." The "f" is pronounced with a voiceless labiodental fricative, and the "m" with a bilabial nasal. "Infirm" means weak or lacking in strength, often used to describe a person's physical or mental health.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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INFIRM Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "infirm" is an adjective commonly used to describe a person who is weak, feeble, or lacking in physical or mental strength. It often implies a state of poor health or vitality. In the context of physical health, it typically refers to someone who is physically weak or frail, experiencing weakness due to illness, injury, or advanced age.

    Furthermore, "infirm" can also refer to someone who exhibits a lack of mental or emotional strength. This may manifest in various ways, such as a lack of resilience, vulnerability to stress or emotional instability. It can describe someone who is easily overwhelmed, struggling to cope with challenges or exert control over their emotions.

    Additionally, the term may extend to describing objects or systems that are weak or unreliable. It suggests that something is flimsy, delicate, or susceptible to breaking or malfunctioning.

    Overall, "infirm" is a versatile term used to convey a sense of physical or mental weakness, fragility, or lack of strength. It encompasses both the physical and emotional aspects of a person's well-being and can also describe objects or systems that are feeble or unreliable.

  2. Weak or feeble in consequence of old age or disease.

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

  3. Weak in bodily or mental health; feeble; irresolute.

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

Common Misspellings for INFIRM

Etymology of INFIRM

The word "infirm" originated from the Latin term "infirmus", which means "not firm" or "weak". The Latin word is derived from the combination of the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and "firmus" meaning "strong" or "firm". Over time, "infirmus" was adopted into Old French as "infirme", and subsequently entered Middle English as "infirm" with the same meaning of being weak or lacking strength. Its etymology reflects the idea of being physically or mentally unwell, feeble, or vulnerable.

Similar spelling words for INFIRM

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