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Foible: meaning, definitions and examples

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foible

 

[ ˈfɔɪbəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

character trait

A foible is a minor flaw or weakness in someone's character. It reflects a small imperfection in an otherwise strong personality, often endearing rather than damaging. Foibles can make individuals relatable and human.

Synonyms

flaw, imperfection, weakness

Examples of usage

  • Her addiction to chocolate is just a foible, not a serious problem.
  • He has a few foibles, such as being overly punctual.
  • Everyone has their foibles, which make them unique.

Translations

Translations of the word "foible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fraqueza

🇮🇳 कमजोरी

🇩🇪 Schwäche

🇮🇩 kelemahan

🇺🇦 слабкість

🇵🇱 słabość

🇯🇵 欠点

🇫🇷 faiblesse

🇪🇸 debilidad

🇹🇷 zayıflık

🇰🇷 약점

🇸🇦 نقطة ضعف

🇨🇿 slabost

🇸🇰 slabosť

🇨🇳 弱点

🇸🇮 šibkost

🇮🇸 veikleiki

🇰🇿 әлсіздік

🇬🇪 სუსტობა

🇦🇿 zəiflik

🇲🇽 debilidad

Etymology

The term 'foible' comes from the late Middle English word 'foible', which is derived from the Old French 'foible', meaning 'weak'. It was originally used in the context of archery to describe the weaker part of a bow. Over time, it evolved to refer to a person's weaknesses or minor faults, emphasizing the notion that these imperfections are a natural part of human character. The usage of 'foible' in literary contexts gained popularity in the 19th century, as authors began to explore the complexities of human nature, often highlighting the humorous or charming aspects of these minor flaws. Today, it is commonly used in both everyday language and literature to describe slight quirks or imperfections that define individual personalities.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,151 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.