WEAN Meaning and
Definition
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Wean, as a verb, primarily refers to the process of gradually reducing or withdrawing someone, particularly an infant or an animal, from dependency on their mother's milk or a particular substance, typically by replacing it with solid food or a different source of nourishment. In this context, weaning involves a transition from relying solely on breastfeeding or a specific nutrient to becoming self-sufficient in terms of nutrition. The process is gradual, taking into account the individual's needs and ensuring they adapt comfortably to the new diet.
Beyond the literal sense, "wean" can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of gradually breaking away or becoming less dependent on something or someone. This could pertain to reducing reliance on a habit, addiction, or a person's assistance or influence. Weaning in this sense implies a gentle separation or detachment, often involving a gradual transition to independence or autonomy.
Furthermore, "wean" may also denote the notion of accustoming or training someone, typically a child, to manage or cope without specific assistance. For instance, teaching a child basic self-care skills to develop self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on constant parental supervision can be seen as a form of weaning.
Overall, whether applied literally or metaphorically, the process of weaning involves gradual transition, reduction of dependency, and fostering independence.
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To take from the breast, to deprive permanently of breast milk and nourish with other food.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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To accustom to want or be without, as a child the breast; to alienate, as the affections; to reconcile to the want or loss of.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WEAN *
* 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 WEAN
Etymology of WEAN
The word "wean" comes from the Middle English term "wenen", which meant to accustom or to habituate. This Middle English term is derived from the Old English word "wenian", which also meant to accustom or to wean. The ultimate origin of "wean" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "venja", which shared the same meaning.
Idioms with the word WEAN
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wean sm (away) from sth
The idiom "wean someone (away) from something" means to gradually cause someone to lose their dependency or attachment on something, usually a habit or an addiction. It involves helping someone break free from a particular behavior, idea, or situation.
Similar spelling words for WEAN
Conjugate verb Wean
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have weaned
you
would have weaned
he/she/it
would have weaned
we
would have weaned
they
would have weaned
I
would have wean
you
would have wean
he/she/it
would have wean
we
would have wean
they
would have wean
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been weaning
you
would have been weaning
he/she/it
would have been weaning
we
would have been weaning
they
would have been weaning
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would wean
you
would wean
he/she/it
would wean
we
would wean
they
would wean
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be weaning
you
would be weaning
he/she/it
would be weaning
we
would be weaning
they
would be weaning
FUTURE
I
will wean
you
will wean
he/she/it
will wean
we
will wean
they
will wean
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be weaning
you
will be weaning
he/she/it
will be weaning
we
will be weaning
they
will be weaning
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have weaned
you
will have weaned
he/she/it
will have weaned
we
will have weaned
they
will have weaned
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been weaning
you
will have been weaning
he/she/it
will have been weaning
we
will have been weaning
they
will have been weaning
IMPERATIVE
you
wean
we
let´s wean
to wean
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was weaning
you
were weaning
he/she/it
was weaning
we
were weaning
they
were weaning
PAST PARTICIPLE
weaned
PAST PERFECT
I
had weaned
you
had weaned
he/she/it
had weaned
we
had weaned
they
had weaned
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been weaning
you
had been weaning
he/she/it
had been weaning
we
had been weaning
they
had been weaning
PRESENT
I
wean
you
wean
he/she/it
weans
we
wean
they
wean
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am weaning
you
are weaning
he/she/it
is weaning
we
are weaning
they
are weaning
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
weaning
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have weaned
you
have weaned
he/she/it
has weaned
we
have weaned
they
have weaned
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been weaning
you
have been weaning
he/she/it
has been weaning
we
have been weaning
they
have been weaning
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
wean
SIMPLE PAST
I
weaned
you
weaned
he/she/it
weaned
we
weaned
they
weaned
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