Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a weak, ineffective, or unconvincing manner: Describes an action performed with a lack of strength, force, energy, or conviction.
   • In a faint or dim manner: Describes something, like a light or sound, that is barely perceptible or very low in intensity.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:
  • He protested feebly against the decision. (He protested in a weak and unconvincing way.)
  • The old man smiled feebly from his bed. (The old man smiled with very little energy.)
  • A light shone feebly through the thick fog. (A light shone faintly and dimly.)

Advanced Usage

• "To argue feebly": to present an argument that lacks force or persuasive power.
  • She argued feebly for the proposal, knowing she didn't fully believe in it.
• "To move feebly": to move with very little physical strength or coordination.
  • The injured bird moved its wings feebly.

Variants and Related Words

• Feeble (adjective): weak, lacking strength or effectiveness.
  • a feeble attempt, a feeble old man, a feeble excuse
• Feebleness (noun): the state or quality of being feeble.
  • The feebleness of his argument was obvious to everyone.

Synonyms

• Weakly: with little physical strength.
• Faintly: in a way that is barely perceptible.
• Lamely: in a weak or unconvincing manner (often for excuses).
• Ineffectually: without producing the desired effect.

Antonyms

• Forcefully: in a strong and assertive manner.
• Powerfully: with great power or strength.
• Vigorously: with robust energy and health.
• Strongly: with physical or persuasive power.

Related Phrases

• To put up a feeble resistance: to resist only in a very weak and ineffective way.
  • The garrison, outnumbered and tired, put up only a feeble resistance.
• A feeble joke: a joke that is not funny or is told without enthusiasm.
  • He told a feeble joke to break the awkward silence.

Adverb

1. in a halting and feeble manner
   • reform, in fact, is, rather feebly, on the win
2. in a faint and feeble manner
   • the lighthouse, flashing feebly against the sleet-blurred, rocky backdrop of the coast of north west Norway