The word "Languished" is spelled as læŋ.ɡwɪʃt. The first syllable "lang" is pronounced with the long vowel sound for /æ/ as in "bang" and the voiced consonant sound for /ŋ/ as in "sing". The second syllable "guished" is pronounced with the voiced consonant sound for /ɡ/ as in "give", the diphthong sound for /wɪ/ as in "we", the voiced consonant sound for /ʃ/ as in "shore" and the unvoiced consonant sound for /t/ as in "stop".
Languished is a verb that refers to the state of experiencing a lack of energy, vitality, or attention to one's surroundings. The term usually signifies a period of weakness, weariness, or inactivity resulting from a variety of factors such as illness, boredom, neglect, or a feeling of being trapped. When someone or something languishes, they often exhibit a lack of motivation, enthusiasm, or productivity, giving an impression of being dispirited or lost in a state of lackluster existence.
In a physical sense, individuals who are languishing might appear visibly weakened or show signs of fatigue due to illness or prolonged inactivity. However, languishing can also manifest emotionally or mentally, when someone experiences a sense of despair, sadness, or a general lack of purpose or fulfillment. This emotional or mental state can lead to a decreased interest in normal activities, a decline in relationships, or a diminished ability to focus on tasks or goals.
Furthermore, languishing can also describe the state of something that has been neglected or left unattended. In this context, objects, spaces, or ideas can fall into a state of disrepair, decay, or obsolescence as a result of being overlooked or forgotten, leading to a feeling of abandonment or being left behind.
Overall, languished denotes a lack of energy, vitality, or attention, whether it pertains to a person, an emotion, or an object, often indicating a state of weakness, dispiritedness, or neglect.
The word "languished" originated from the Middle English term "languishen", which can be traced back to the Old French word "languiss-" or "languir". These French forms were derived from the Latin word "languere", meaning "to be weak or faint". Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to weakness, ill health, or a lack of vitality. Today, "languished" typically refers to a state of suffering, decline, or a lack of progress.