foible
/'fɔibl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A minor weakness or eccentricity in a person's character: A "foible" is a small, often harmless, flaw or peculiarity in someone's personality or behavior.
- The part of a sword blade between the middle and the point: In fencing, the "foible" is the weaker, more flexible half of the blade, furthest from the hilt.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Character Trait):
- One of his foibles is that he must arrange his books by color.
- We all have our little foibles; hers is talking to her plants.
- Noun (Sword Part):
- The fencer targeted his opponent's foible to disarm him.
- A parry is more effective when made with the forte against the foe's foible.
Advanced Usage
- "To indulge someone's foibles": To tolerate or humor a person's minor quirks.
- As a good friend, she learned to indulge his foibles.
- Used in formal or literary contexts to describe character flaws with a tone of endearment or mild criticism, rather than serious condemnation.
Variants and Related Words
- Foibly (adv, archaic): In a feeble or weak manner. (Rarely used in modern English).
- Forte (n): The strong part of a sword blade, nearest the hilt. (This is the direct antonym in fencing terminology).
Synonyms
- Quirk: A peculiar behavioral habit.
- Idiosyncrasy: A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual.
- Eccentricity: An odd or unconventional trait.
- Weakness: A less specific term for a failing or defect.
Antonyms
- Strength: A good or beneficial quality.
- Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To have a foible for...": To have a particular minor weakness or fondness for something. (Note: This is a less common construction than "to have a weakness for").
- He has a foible for expensive chocolates.
Noun
- the weaker part of a sword's blade from the forte to the tip
- a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual