Limply: meaning, definitions and examples

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limply

[ˈlɪmpli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

used to describe a weak or feeble manner

In a weak or feeble way, lacking strength or energy. Often used to describe how someone moves or acts without energy or enthusiasm.

Synonyms

feebly, listlessly, slackly, weakly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
limply	Best used to describe physical actions that are done without strength or firmness, often describing the way something hangs or falls. The flag hung limply in the wind. He shook her hand limply.
weakly	This word is used to describe actions or speech that lack strength, power, or conviction. It can also refer to a general state of weakness. She spoke weakly, barely able to get the words out. He weakly defended his point of view.
feebly	This word is used when describing something done in a weak, insufficient, or ineffective manner. It often implies a lack of energy or strength. The old man smiled feebly. She feebly attempted to lift the box.
listlessly	Use this word when someone is acting without energy or interest, often due to boredom or tiredness. It implies a lack of enthusiasm or will. He lay listlessly on the couch. She listlessly stirred her coffee.
slackly	Best used to describe actions done with little effort, care, or tension. It often implies laziness or a lack of discipline. The rope hung slackly. He held the reins slackly.

Examples of usage

She walked limply to the chair and sat down.
He limply shook his head in response.
The flowers hung limply in the hot sun.
The defeated team walked off the field limply.
I felt limply after the long day at work.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

used to describe something that lacks firmness or strength

Lacking firmness, strength, or energy. Often used to describe objects that are soft, flaccid, or droopy.

Synonyms

droopy, flaccid, slack, soft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
limply	Use when describing the manner in which something is done without strength or firmness. He held the rope limply, with no apparent effort.
flaccid	Typically used in a medical or biological context to describe muscle tone or firmness. It has a negative connotation. The patient's muscles were flaccid after weeks of being bedridden.
droopy	Use when describing something hanging or sagging, usually indicating sadness or lack of energy. After the long day, his shoulders were droopy.
soft	Use for describing something that is not hard or firm, often with a pleasant or neutral connotation. She likes her pillow to be soft and comfortable.
slack	Use to describe something loose, not tight, or lacking tension. The rope was slack, so they tightened it.

Examples of usage

The limp flowers needed water to revive them.
She held the limp rope in her hand.
The limp handshake indicated his lack of confidence.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'limply' comes from 'limp', which has origins in Middle English, meaning weak or soft.
It can be traced further back to Old English 'limpian', meaning to walk with a labored or irregular gait.

Psychology

The concept of 'limp' can be associated with feelings of defeat or exhaustion, impacting motivation.
Body language often reflects emotional states; a person moving limply may be expressing sadness or fatigue.

Pop Culture

In film and literature, characters depicted as moving limply often symbolize vulnerability or defeat.
Songs occasionally use the imagery of limpness to evoke emotions of loss or disappointment.

Physiology

Muscle relaxation, such as in a moment of fatigue, can cause limbs to move limply, affecting coordination.
Conditions like fatigue or injury can lead to temporary limpness in limbs, affecting one’s ability to perform tasks.

Art

Artists often portray limp figures to convey a sense of helplessness or emotional weight in paintings and sculptures.
The use of limpness in character design in animation can emphasize a comedic or exaggerated effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "limply" in other languages:

🇵🇹 molemente

🇮🇳 ढीलेपन से

🇩🇪 schlaff

🇮🇩 lemah

🇺🇦 слабко

🇵🇱 słabo

🇯🇵 たるんで

🇫🇷 mollement

🇪🇸 débilmente

🇹🇷 gevşekçe

🇰🇷 축 늘어지게

🇸🇦 بضعف

🇨🇿 slabě

🇸🇰 slabo

🇨🇳 松松垮垮地

🇸🇮 ohlapno

🇮🇸 lauslega

🇰🇿 әлсіз

🇬🇪 სუსტად

🇦🇿 zəif

🇲🇽 débilmente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,906, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28903 forbearing
28904 twang
28905 cloaca
28906 limply
28907 taffeta
28908 plaguing
28909 rudiment
...