Infirmest: meaning, definitions and examples
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infirmest
[ ɪnˈfɜːrmɪst ]
state of health
Infirmest refers to the weakest or most frail condition of a person, especially concerning their physical health or vitality. It is often used in discussions about aging, illness, or other circumstances that diminish an individual's strength or wellbeing. The term is less commonly utilized in everyday conversation but may arise in literature or formal discussions about health. Its usage can evoke a sense of compassion or concern for the wellbeing of others.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She became infirmest in her old age.
- The infirmest among the team required additional assistance.
- His infirmest days were marked by frequent hospital visits.
Translations
Translations of the word "infirmest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais fraco
🇮🇳 सबसे कमजोर
🇩🇪 am schwächsten
🇮🇩 paling lemah
🇺🇦 найслабший
🇵🇱 najsłabszy
🇯🇵 最も弱い
🇫🇷 le plus faible
🇪🇸 el más débil
🇹🇷 en zayıf
🇰🇷 가장 약한
🇸🇦 الأضعف
🇨🇿 nejslabší
🇸🇰 najslabší
🇨🇳 最弱的
🇸🇮 najšibkejši
🇮🇸 veikast veikburður
🇰🇿 ең әлсіз
🇬🇪 ყველაზე სუსტი
🇦🇿 ən zəif
🇲🇽 el más débil
Etymology
The word 'infirmest' derives from the Latin word 'infirmus', which means 'weak' or 'feeble'. This Latin root combines 'in-', meaning 'not', with 'firmus', meaning 'strong or stable'. The term began to appear in Middle English during the late medieval period, where it was used to describe individuals who were physically weak or ill. Over the centuries, the word has maintained its focus on weakness, particularly in relation to health. 'Infirm' was often used in clinical descriptions of patients, and 'infirmest' denotes the superlative form, indicating the lowest level of health or strength. The evolution of the term reflects societal concerns about frailty and vulnerability, especially in the context of aging populations and health care discussions. Its use continues today, particularly in medical and literary contexts, where it conveys a sense of compassion for those in poor health.