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Lankly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lankly

[læŋkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

appearance, demeanor

Lankly is an adverb used to describe someone or something that is lank, which typically refers to being tall, thin, and awkward in appearance. It often carries a connotation of an ungraceful or ungainly stature. This term is generally applied to humans, animals, or objects that are elongated and lack fullness or robustness. It can also imply a certain fragility or weakness in the subject being described.

Synonyms

gauntly, spindly, thinly.

Examples of usage

  • He stood lankly in the back of the room.
  • The lankly figure of the teenager caught everyone's attention.
  • She moved lankly through the crowd, drawing curious glances.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, lankly figures often symbolize fragility or vulnerability, seen in characters who struggle against life's challenges.
  • Pop culture often depicts lanky characters in animations to represent comedic, whimsical personality traits.
  • Fashion trends have highlighted lanky models, emphasizing height as a desirable trait in the industry.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that perceptions of lankiness can affect how individuals are treated socially, often linking to assumptions about health and fitness.
  • Some studies show that people view lanky figures as less approachable or friendly due to their exaggerated features.
  • Heightened awareness of body image can lead individuals to feel self-conscious about their own lankiness or slenderness.

Nature

  • Several plant species, like sunflowers, grow lankly as they reach for sunlight, illustrating how nature adapts to its environment.
  • Animals, such as greyhounds, exhibit lanky body structures designed for speed, showing evolution's influences on physical traits.
  • Tree species like willows can appear lankly, often growing taller and thinner in search of optimum light.

Sports

  • Athletes in certain sports, such as basketball, often employ lanky physiques to gain advantages in height and reach.
  • Lanky runners may use their height to cover more ground quickly, increasing speed and efficiency.
  • Training for sports can transform a lanky frame into a more muscular build, highlighting the body's adaptability.

Origin of 'lankly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English term 'lanke', which means thin or slender.
  • Related to the Old Norse 'lankr', which also refers to something that is lanky or thin.
  • The term has evolved over the centuries, retaining its association with height and thinness.

The word 'lank' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old Norse word 'lankr', which means 'long' or 'slender'. It was used to describe various aspects of physical appearance, particularly in relation to being tall and thin. Over time, 'lank' evolved to encompass not just the measurement of height and width but also the quality of being awkward or ungraceful. The adverb 'lankly' thus emerged to denote the manner in which someone appears in a lank state. This transformation of meaning showcases how language can adapt and evolve, incorporating new nuances to describe human conditions and experiences. By the 19th century, 'lankly' was commonly used in literature to paint vivid pictures of characters, emphasizing their slender or ungainly physicality.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,155, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.