faint

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "faint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is barely perceptible, or so weak that it is barely noticed or heard. For example, "She could hear a faint voice from the other room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The ambulance staff have warned the protesters that their legs have got very cold which makes the blood supply pool in their feet, this could lead them to faint and fall off the ledge.

The Guardian

Lest that sound like faint praise, he quickly qualifies it: earlier this week, in a day trip around Stockholm's record shops, he added 50 singles to his already mammoth Abba collection.

The Guardian - Music

When Faint talks to me about his clowning, he occasionally adopts the pantomime squeak of his painted alter ego.

The Guardian

Faint – who worked in professional theatre (he was the original stage manager of The Rocky Horror Show) – was in at the beginning of the Theodora charity, which provides clowns for children's hospitals, but he gave it up last year.

The Guardian

It felt like everyone was sitting up in their seats – although people would faint sometimes.

The Guardian

There are also faint signs that playing styles may be changing.

The Guardian - Sport

He nods in agreement, but adds, with a faint smile, "But with Tiens, time is on your side".

The Guardian

"One of her beliefs," Tom says, "is that she'll have a panic attack in public, will faint and everyone will laugh, stare, point, and no one will help".

The Guardian

Its base is dashi, a stock made from kelp and dried bonito flakes that is fundamental to Japanese cuisine, here increased in value by the addition of clam liquor and the faint smokiness of an accompanying bit of grilled lobster.

The New York Times - Food

As the trail petered out and we struck out across country, the signs of human life grew faint and then disappeared.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The website reads: "Not for the faint-hearted, this new ride at Alton Towers features a series of twisted psychological effects including optical illusions, blinding lights and near misses designed to mess with your mind".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faint" to describe something that is not easily seen, heard, or noticed. It's effective in conveying subtlety or a lack of intensity. For example, "a faint smile" or "a faint sound."

Common error

Avoid using "faint" excessively in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or descriptive terms might be appropriate. In such cases, consider alternatives like "subtle", "minimal", or "negligible" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "faint" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something lacking strength, clarity, or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of something barely perceptible. For example, "a faint hope" or "a faint smile".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Lifestyle

14%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Travel

6%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faint" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something lacking intensity, strength, or clarity, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is very common in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sport. It maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for a wide range of writing. When using "faint", consider its effectiveness in conveying subtlety or a lack of prominence, and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where more precise terms may be required. Based on Ludwig's analysis, "faint" is a versatile and reliable choice for expressing diminished presence or perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dim

Focuses on the lack of brightness or clarity.

weak

Emphasizes the lack of strength or intensity.

indistinct

Highlights the lack of clear definition or perception.

subtle

Suggests a delicate and understated quality.

pale

Refers to a lack of color or vibrancy.

feeble

Indicates a marked degree of weakness, both physically and metaphorically.

shadowy

Implies an elusive or unclear quality, akin to a shadow.

vague

Underscores the lack of specificity or clarity.

light

Emphasizes the minimal intensity or weight.

barely perceptible

Highlights the minimal level of detection.

FAQs

How can I use "faint" in a sentence?

You can use "faint" to describe something that lacks strength or clarity. For instance, "She had a "faint recollection" of the incident", or "There was a "faint smell" of smoke in the air".

What words can I use instead of "faint"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "faint" with words like "dim", "weak", "indistinct", or "subtle". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of lacking intensity or clarity.

Is it correct to say "faint of heart" or "fainthearted"?

"Faint of heart" and "fainthearted" are both correct, but "fainthearted" is more common. Both describe someone who lacks courage or is easily discouraged.

What's the difference between "faint" and "vague"?

"Faint" suggests something is hard to perceive due to its low intensity, while "vague" means something lacks clarity or precision. A sound can be "faint", making it hard to hear, while a memory can be "vague", making it hard to recall clearly.