Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In a weak, feeble, or lacking strength manner: Performing an action with little physical force, energy, or intensity.
   • To a minor or slight degree: In a manner that is not strong or forceful; somewhat, slightly.

2. Adjective:

   • Lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality; feeble, sickly. This usage is less common than the adverbial form.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • She smiled weakly, trying to hide her pain.
  • The signal from the radio station was received only weakly in the valley.
  • He objected weakly, knowing his argument was not very strong.

• Adjective:

  • The weakly patient needed constant care. (This usage is formal/archaic.)
  • He was a weakly child, often absent from school due to illness.

Advanced Usage

• "to protest weakly": to object or argue without conviction or force.

  • When asked to work late again, he protested weakly before agreeing.

• Used to describe abstract concepts:

  • The theory is only weakly supported by the current evidence.
  • She felt a weakly growing sense of hope.

Variants and Related Words

• Weak (adj): The base adjective meaning lacking strength.
• Weakness (n): The state or condition of being weak.
• Weaken (v): To make or become weak.
• Weakling (n, often derogatory): A person who is physically or morally weak.

Synonyms

• Feebly: In a weak or faint manner.
• Faintly: In a way that is barely perceptible.
• Slightly: To a small degree; not considerably.
• Languidly: In a manner lacking energy or vitality.

Antonyms

• Strongly: With great force or intensity.
• Forcefully: In a powerful and assertive manner.
• Vigorously: In a way that involves physical strength, effort, or energy.
• Powerfully: With great power or strength.

Related Phrases

• To put up a weakly defense: To defend oneself or an idea with little effort or effectiveness.

  • The team put up a weakly defense in the final minutes of the game.

• A weakly positive correlation (Academic/Statistical): A relationship between two variables where one tends to increase slightly as the other increases.

  • The study found a weakly positive correlation between exercise and mood.

Adjective

1. lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality
   • a feeble old woman
   • her body looked sapless

Adverb

1. in a weak or feeble manner or to a minor degree
   • weakly agreed to a compromise
   • wheezed weakly
   • he was weakly attracted to her