Fain: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜Š
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fain

 

[ feษชn ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

archaic use

Fain is an archaic term that means gladly or willingly. It is often used to express a desire or preference to do something happily or with eagerness. In historical texts, you may encounter it in romantic or poetic contexts. Although it's rarely used in modern English, it captures a sense of eagerness that other words may lack.

Synonyms

gladly, joyfully, willingly

Examples of usage

  • I would fain go with you.
  • He fain would have his wish granted.
  • She fain accepted the invitation.
Context #2 | Adjective

archaic use

As an adjective, fain means willing or inclined. It describes a readiness or desire to perform an action or fulfill a request. This usage is also steeped in older English literature, lending an elegant and somewhat romantic tone to the descriptions of character traits or intentions.

Synonyms

disposed, eager, willing

Examples of usage

  • A fain heart is gentle and kind.
  • He had a fain wish to help others.
  • She was fain to share her story.

Translations

Translations of the word "fain" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น alegremente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เฅเคถเฅ€ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช gerne

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ senang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะท ะพั…ะพั‚ะพัŽ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ chฤ™tnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ–œใ‚“ใง

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท volontiers

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ de buena gana

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท seve seve

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธฐ๊บผ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูƒู„ ุณุฑูˆุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rรกd

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rรกd

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไนๆ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ z veseljem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gjarna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ัƒะฐะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฎแƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒฃแƒšแƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸadlฤฑqla

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ de buena gana

Word origin

The word 'fain' comes from the Old English term 'fรฆgen', which means joyful or glad. This term has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word 'fagana', meaning joyful. It has been used in English dating back to the 12th century and has appeared in several literary works throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Fain is often associated with expressions of eagerness or willingness and frequently appears in poetic and dramatic contexts. While it has fallen out of common usage in contemporary language, it still appears in classic literature and certain dialects, capturing a form of sentiment that resonates with readers who appreciate older styles of expression.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,159, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.