Languish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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languish
[ËlĂŠĆÉĄwÉȘÊ ]
Definitions
in a state of suffering or neglect
To languish means to be in a state of suffering, neglect, or despondency. It can also refer to a lack of progress or growth. When someone languishes, they are often experiencing a sense of hopelessness or despair.
Synonyms
lack progress, pine, suffer, waste away.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| languish |
This word is used to describe someone or something becoming weak or failing to progress over time, often due to neglect or unfavorable conditions.
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| suffer |
This word is used to describe experiencing pain, distress, or hardship. It has a strong, negative connotation.
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| waste away |
Often used to describe someone or something becoming gradually weaker and thinner, usually due to illness or neglect. It has a sad and often negative connotation.
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| pine |
This word carries an emotional connotation and implies a deep, often prolonged desire or sadness, usually due to missing someone or something.
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| lack progress |
Used when describing a situation where there is no advancement or improvement, typically in a neutral sense.
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Examples of usage
- She languished in the dark prison cell for years.
- The old building languished in disrepair for decades.
- After the breakup, he began to languish in loneliness.
- The abandoned dog languished in the shelter, waiting for a new home.
- The company continued to languish despite efforts to revive it.
to be forced to remain in a place
To languish can also mean to be forced to remain in a place, often due to external circumstances. This can imply a sense of confinement or restriction, as if one is unable to move or progress.
Synonyms
be confined, be stuck, remain, stay.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| languish |
Used when describing someone or something that is suffering from being in an unpleasant or undesirable situation for a long time. It often carries a connotation of decline or deterioration.
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| remain |
Used when something stays in a place or condition without change. This word is neutral and doesn't have any negative or positive implications by itself.
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| stay |
Similar to 'remain', but more often used in everyday language. It typically describes someone or something not leaving a place or situation.
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| be confined |
Appropriate when talking about someone or something being restricted to a certain area or space. This is often due to rules, illness, or other limiting factors.
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| be stuck |
Primarily used when someone or something is unable to move or progress, often temporarily. It can apply to both physical situations and problems or dilemmas.
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Examples of usage
- She languished in her hometown, unable to afford to leave.
- The refugees languished in the camp, waiting for aid to arrive.
- He languished in the small town, dreaming of bigger opportunities.
- The patient languished in the hospital, eager to go home.
- The workers languished in the factory, hoping for better conditions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term has been used in many famous literary works, including Shakespeare's plays, emphasizing emotional and physical deterioration.
- In poetry, feeling can be described as 'languishing' to evoke deep emotions of loss or longing, often enhancing the overall theme.
- Notable poets, like John Keats, have utilized the word to explore themes of beauty fading over time.
Psychology
- Research suggests that prolonged feelings of sadness or demotivation can lead to a sense of languishing, impacting mental health.
- Individuals experiencing languishing may find it hard to engage with life or feel fulfilled, leading to a cycle of withdrawal.
- The concept of languishing has gained recent attention as a mental state, distinct from depression but still needing support.
Cultural References
- In popular films and songs, languishing is often portrayed as a theme of longing for lost love or unfulfilled dreams.
- Various artworks depict figures in a state of languish, symbolizing their internal struggles and the beauty found in sorrow.
- The feelings associated with languishing are often resonant in song lyrics, where characters express nostalgia or sadness.
Modern Usage
- In contemporary discussions, especially amidst global events, 'languish' is used to describe a common feeling of disconnection or unrest.
- The term has been adopted in wellness discussions, focusing on how to recognize when people need support in their mental and emotional states.
- Social media has popularized expressions of languishing, making it a relatable subject for many navigating stress and uncertainty.
Origin of 'languish'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'languere,' which means 'to be faint' or 'to feel weak.'
- In Middle English, 'languish' retained a similar meaning, often reflecting a sense of longing or weakness.
- The term has been used since the 14th century, showing its longstanding presence in the English language.
The word 'languish' has its origins in the Latin word 'languere', which means 'to be weak or faint'. It entered the English language in the 14th century and has evolved to encompass both physical and emotional states of suffering. Over time, 'languish' has come to be associated with a sense of longing, despair, and stagnation.