Lankest: meaning, definitions and examples
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lankest
[ læŋkɪst ]
degree of thinness
The term 'lankest' refers to the superlative form of 'lank,' describing someone or something that is the most thin or slender to an exaggerated degree. It is often used in a negative sense to depict an unappealing, gaunt appearance. This term suggests an extreme lack of flesh or body mass, typically used in reference to a person or animal. Generally, it's not a common descriptor and is usually found in literature rather than everyday conversation.
Synonyms
emaciated, gaunt, slender, thin
Examples of usage
- He looked the lankest among his peers.
- The lankest horse in the stable stood alone.
- After the illness, she became the lankest version of herself.
Translations
Translations of the word "lankest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais magro
🇮🇳 सबसे दुबला
🇩🇪 der dünnste
🇮🇩 paling kurus
🇺🇦 найхудий
🇵🇱 najchudszy
🇯🇵 最も痩せた
🇫🇷 le plus maigre
🇪🇸 el más delgado
🇹🇷 en zayıf
🇰🇷 가장 마른
🇸🇦 الأكثر نحافة
🇨🇿 nejhubenější
🇸🇰 najchudší
🇨🇳 最瘦的
🇸🇮 najtanjši
🇮🇸 þynnsti
🇰🇿 ең арық
🇬🇪 განსაკუთრებით გამხდარი
🇦🇿 ən arıq
🇲🇽 el más delgado
Etymology
The word 'lank' originates from Middle English, derived from the Old Norse word 'langr' which means 'long.' Over time, it evolved to describe not just length, but also a quality of being excessively thin. The transition from the idea of length to that of thinness marks a notable semantic shift in the word's usage. As language continued to evolve, particularly during the Renaissance, the use of 'lank' began to carry negative connotations, particularly in describing the frail or cadaverous appearance of individuals. The superlative 'lankest' would have naturally developed as speakers sought to describe the extreme state of thinness that could be observed in both people and animals, reflecting social attitudes toward health and physique throughout history. The term remains relatively rare in everyday usage, primarily appearing in literary contexts.