Flimsier: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'flimsy' comes from an early 19th-century term that meant 'easy to break; weak'.
• The 'flims' core part of the word is thought to relate to fragility, similar to the word 'slim', indicating something thin.
• The suffix '-ier' is used in English to form the comparative, suggesting a comparison between two or more things.

Usage in Literature

• In fiction, characters may describe something as 'flimsier' to convey feelings of vulnerability or insecurity.
• Poets often use the term to illustrate delicate emotions or fleeting moments of beauty, drawing parallels to fragility.

Cultural References

• In some films, 'flimsier' items are used as plot devices to show how fragile life can be, often with comedic effect.
• The term features prominently in various forms of media, including cartoons, where characters interact with flimsy objects leading to humorous outcomes.

Science

• In materials science, 'flimsy' structures are studied in relation to stability, particularly in engineering and architecture.
• Research shows that items deemed 'flimsier' often have a higher failure rate under stress, leading to innovations in design.

Psychology

• Psychologists may use the concept of flimsiness to discuss perceptions of self-esteem, highlighting how people feel weaker in certain situations.
• The term can also describe behaviors; for instance, people might act 'flimsier' when they lack confidence, revealing their vulnerability.

At position #41,495, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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