Weaklier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
weaklier
[หwiหkli ]
Definition
comparative degree
The term 'weaklier' is a comparative form of the adverb 'weakly'. It is used to describe an action or state performed in a weak manner, comparing it to another action or state. While not commonly used, it may appear in poetic or literary contexts.
Synonyms
less powerfully, less strongly, more feebly.
Examples of usage
- He responded weaklier than before.
- The light shone weaklier as the sun set.
- She talked weaklier, almost inaudibly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- 'Weaklier' is comparative, meaning itโs used to compare things; for example, 'The plant grew weaklier than its neighbor.'
- In modern English, the use of 'weaklier' is very rare; people often use 'weaker' instead.
- Comparative forms in English often create confusion, as some words have irregular forms, such as 'good' becoming 'better'.
Psychology
- People may perceive emotions as weaklier when they are experiencing sadness or vulnerability, indicating a need for support.
- The concept of being 'weak' can affect self-esteem; individuals may feel more vulnerable when they think of themselves as weak.
- Studies show that labeling emotions as 'weak' can stave off emotional expression, leading to mental health issues.
Literature
- The term 'weaklier' appears in classic literature, often to portray a character's decline or loss of strength.
- Authors like Shakespeare used comparative language to evoke feelings of sadness or loss within their narratives.
- In poetry, expressing weakness can symbolize deeper themes like fragility and the passage of time.
Origin of 'weaklier'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'weak' comes from the Old English word 'wacan', which means to become weak or fall.
- The suffix '-ly' typically turns an adjective into an adverb, indicating the manner in which something is done.
- Historically, 'weaklier' was used in literature to describe gradual loss of power or strength over time.
The term 'weaklier' derives from the base word 'weak', which originates from the Old English 'waca', meaning 'not firm or strong'. Over time, the word evolved in Middle English to 'weke' or 'weake' before taking its modern form in Early Modern English. The adverb 'weakly' is formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'weak'. The comparative form 'weaklier' follows a less conventional pattern, as comparative adverbs are often formed using 'more' or 'most'. Therefore, its use is infrequent in contemporary English, being mostly found in historical texts or specialized literature, highlighting descriptive actions that lack strength in comparison to others. The evolution of this term reflects broader changes in the English language, where the tendency toward simplification and regularization has led to the preference for constructions like 'more weakly' over 'weaklier'.