| 释义 |
fee·ble
I. \ˈfēbəl\ adjective
(usually feebler \-b(ə)lə(r)\ ; feeblest \-b(ə)lə̇st\)
Etymology: Middle English feble, from Old French flebe, feble, foible, from Latin flebilis lamentable, wretched, from flēre to weep — more at bleat
1.
a. : markedly lacking in normal strength or endurance : weak, debilitated, infirm
< a feeble old man >
< feeble in mind and body >
b. : unequal to strain : yielding, fragile
< a shaky buttress providing only feeble support >
< a flower with a feeble stem >
c. : indicating weakness or infirmity
< taking only feeble steps >
< gave a feeble moan >
2.
a. : deficient in qualities or resources that indicate or give vigor, authority, force, or efficiency : not strong or effective (as in character, mental ability, tone, or color)
< a feeble personality >
< a feeble intelligence >
< feeble imagery >
< a feeble attempt at a novel >
b. : inadequate, inferior
< forced to deal with feeble human nature >
< could muster only the feeblest of thoughts on the occasion >
< making feeble excuses >
Synonyms: see weak
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English feblen, partly from Middle English feble, adjective, partly from Old French feblir, flebir to make or become feeble, from flebe, feble, foible, adjective
archaic : to make feeble : enfeeble
III. noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English feble, from feble, adjective
1. obsolete : a feeble person
2.
a. archaic : foible 1
b. : foible 2 |