foible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "foible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor character flaw or a minor weakness of someone. For example, "John's foible is his tendency to procrastinate when it comes to completing tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though many people around the world think of the death penalty as being an American foible, the annual report points out that it has receded into a rump of hardline states.

The Guardian

Equitable's chief financial officer, Charles Bellringer, resigned on November 25th.Unwisely guaranteeing a set level of returns is not merely a European foible.

The Economist

Whenever a local foible or tradition grabbed his interest, such as the country's idiosyncratic waterway laws, he would research it exhaustively.In this section Spiritual and temporal Blast from the past Mandarin mogul Little Hitler Paper promises Reprints Related items The sage of AquariusDec 9th 1999All this led to jibes of "going native" from fellow Westerners.

The Economist

The full list of London museums includes more than 250 entries and caters to almost every industry, religion, ethnicity, profession, enthusiasm, or foible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian ages, the city grew in every direction, recording in its stone tenements and detached mansions every foible of changing taste: Neoclassical, Gothic, Scotch Baronial, Italianate, and a more recent profusion of 20th-century brick and concrete.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shedding light on a female foible Fans of the artist Joana Vasconcelos are hoping she will bring her famous "tampon chandelier" to London when she stages her solo show at the Haunch of Venison, in London, on 21 July.

Independent

When Alex Salmond urged his tremulously expectant audience in Perth's concert hall last night to "catch our breath for the day ahead, a day Scotland will never forget" – it was impossible not to wonder at how far the SNP's astute, skilful and ruthlessly determined leader has come since Scottish nationalism was dismissed as an eccentric foible of British political life.

Independent

Bossiness is a common human foible — though it could also be true that women with authoritative ambitions who have been denied chances for actual authority may historically have resorted to it more.

The New Yorker

Will Petraeus be thought of, in time, as a hero guilty of no more than a distracting foible?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Any embarrassing but endearing hostess moment à la "I Love Lucy" demonstrates membership in the foible-ridden human race, and imperfection contained and accounted for with the greatest of ease by a caring host is the secret of perfect entertaining.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was just his fears and foibles.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foible", ensure the context clarifies that the characteristic is minor and not a serious flaw. This prevents misinterpretation of the severity of the trait.

Common error

Avoid using "foible" to describe significant character flaws or moral failings. Reserve it for minor quirks or harmless eccentricities to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The word "foible" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character. Ludwig indicates its correct usage and acceptability in written English. Examples show its application in describing personal traits and societal tendencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

9%

Books

6%

Less common in

Opinion

3%

Tech

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foible" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun, denoting a minor weakness or eccentricity. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and wide-ranging use across diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and literature. While it's suitable for formal contexts, it maintains a neutral tone. The related phrases offer alternatives to describe character traits with varying degrees of emphasis. When using "foible", it's important to ensure the quirk or flaw isn't exaggerated, as it should only apply to minor imperfections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quirk

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of the trait.

minor fault

Underlines the insignificance of the flaw.

idiosyncrasy

Emphasizes the unique and peculiar nature of the trait.

minor flaw

Focuses on the imperfection aspect, downplaying eccentricity.

eccentricity

Points out the unconventional or slightly strange behavior.

peculiarity

Stresses the strangeness or oddness of the characteristic.

odd habit

Highlights the repetitive nature of the unusual behavior.

weakness

Highlights the aspect of being a disadvantage or failing.

shortcoming

Emphasizes the lack of perfection or completeness.

personal failing

Directly identifies it as a fault in someone's character.

FAQs

How do you use "foible" in a sentence?

You can use "foible" to describe a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character. For example, "His only "foible" is his tendency to interrupt conversations."

What can I say instead of "foible"?

Alternatives to "foible" include "quirk", "idiosyncrasy", or "minor flaw", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "foible" in formal writing?

Yes, "foible" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing character traits or behaviors in a nuanced way. It is often used in literary analysis or character descriptions.

What is the difference between "foible" and "weakness"?

"Foible" typically refers to a minor, often endearing, quirk or eccentricity. "Weakness", on the other hand, suggests a more significant character flaw or deficiency. A "foible" is less severe than a "weakness".