Faint

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Faint

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective, verb, and noun

Pronunciation

FAYNT  /feɪnt/

Definition

As an adjective: barely perceptible; weak, dim, or slight. As a verb: to lose consciousness for a short time because of a temporary fall in the supply of blood to the brain. As a noun: a sudden loss of consciousness.

Plain meaning

Weak or barely there — used of sounds, lights, smells, hopes, and so on. Also: to briefly pass out and lose consciousness.

Register

Neutral. The adjective sense is widely used in everyday and literary description. The medical sense is standard but specific.