Wanly: meaning, definitions and examples

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wanly

 

[ ˈwänlē ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

appearance, tone

Wanly describes something done in a pale, weak, or feeble manner, often suggesting a sense of sadness or lack of vitality. It conveys a sense of weariness or diminished strength.

Synonyms

dimly, faintly, feebly, pallidly, sadly.

Examples of usage

  • She smiled wanly at the thought of returning home.
  • He waved wanly, as if too tired to muster any enthusiasm.
  • The sun shone wanly through the clouds, casting a dull light.
  • The flowers wilted, their petals drooping wanly in the dark.
  • His voice came out wanly, barely audible over the noise.

Translations

Translations of the word "wanly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de forma pálida

🇮🇳 कमज़ोर तरीके से

🇩🇪 blass

🇮🇩 dengan pucat

🇺🇦 блідо

🇵🇱 bladawo

🇯🇵 淡く

🇫🇷 pâlement

🇪🇸 pálidamente

🇹🇷 soluk bir şekilde

🇰🇷 창백하게

🇸🇦 بشكل شاحب

🇨🇿 bledě

🇸🇰 bledý

🇨🇳 苍白地

🇸🇮 bledé

🇮🇸 blek

🇰🇿 сары

🇬🇪 ბლედურად

🇦🇿 solğun

🇲🇽 pálidamente

Etymology

The term 'wanly' originates from the Middle English word 'wan,' which means 'lacking color' or 'pale.' This word is rooted in the Old English 'wanian,' meaning 'to diminish' or 'to decrease.' Initially associated with physical attributes, such as color or brightness, 'wan' evolved to encompass emotional states as well, capturing the essence of weariness or sorrow. As the language transformed through the centuries, the adverb 'wanly' emerged, embodying the traits of something done in a lacking or weakened manner. The use of 'wanly' in literature often highlights themes of melancholy or fatigue, reinforcing its connotation of a subdued or diminished spirit.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,178, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.