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Languished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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languished

[หˆlรฆล‹ษกwษชสƒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

To languish means to suffer from being forced to stay in an unpleasant situation or state. It suggests a sense of weakness, neglect, or deterioration, often associated with a longing for something better. When someone languishes, they may feel a sense of hopelessness or depression while yearning for improvement or relief. This term can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts, indicating a decline in well-being or vitality.

Synonyms

decay, deteriorate, waste away, wilt.

Examples of usage

  • He languished in the hospital for weeks.
  • The project languished due to lack of funding.
  • She felt her ambitions languishing without support.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often express feelings of languishing in love and life, showing emotional despair.
  • Writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald used the term to depict characters stuck in an unfulfilled existence.
  • The term is frequently used to describe a sense of longing or desire that goes unfulfilled in poetic contexts.

Psychology

  • Languishing is often contrasted with flourishing, representing a state of emptiness that affects mental well-being.
  • Research shows that languishing can lead to increased feelings of depression and anxiety over time.
  • The concept highlights the importance of emotional health, where simply being 'okay' is not enough for well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and poems often explore themes of languishing, particularly in connection to love and loss.
  • Popular films sometimes portray characters who languish in relationships, creating dramatic tension.
  • The concept of languishing has garnered attention on social media, defining a modern sense of malaise.

Art

  • In paintings, figures depicted as languishing often show subdued colors and relaxed postures, evoking feelings of introspection.
  • Artists like Edvard Munch have illustrated the feeling of languish through emotion-filled expressions in their works.
  • The theme of languishing appears in visual art as a reflection on isolation and existential dread.

Origin of 'languished'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'languere', meaning 'to be faint, to be weary'.
  • It has been part of the English language since the late 14th century, emphasizing feelings of weakness.
  • Often associated with lacking strength or vitality, it illustrates a deep sense of weariness.

The word 'languish' originates from the Latin verb 'languฤ“re', meaning 'to be faint, weak, or languid'. This Latin term is rooted in 'languidus', which refers to being faint or weak in vitality. The transformation into Middle English involved adopting the terms with a similar meaning, eventually resulting in 'languish'. Over centuries, it has evolved to encompass not only physical weakness but also emotional and situational decline. Its usage expanded in literature and poetry, often emphasizing themes of longing, despair, and unfulfilled desires, which has solidified its place in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,526, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.