different between dastardly vs feeble

English

Etymology

dastard +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?d??st?dli/, /?dæst?dli/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?dæst?dli/

Adjective

dastardly (comparative dastardlier, superlative dastardliest)

1. in the manner of a dastard; marked by cowardice; pusillanimous
2. treacherous; given to backstabbing

Quotations

• "the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on...December 7th" - Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)

Adverb

dastardly

1. In a cowardly or treacherous fashion.

English

Etymology

From Middle English feble, from Anglo-Norman feble (“weak, feeble”) (compare French faible), from Latin fl?bilis (“tearful, mournful, lamentable”). Doublet of foible.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?fi?b?l/
• Rhymes: -i?b?l

Adjective

feeble (comparative feebler, superlative feeblest)

1. Deficient in physical strength

   Though she appeared old and feeble, she could still throw a ball.
2. Lacking force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; faint.

   That was a feeble excuse for an example.

Synonyms

• (physically weak): weak, infirm, debilitated
• (wanting force, vigor or efficiency): faint

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

feeble (third-person singular simple present feebles, present participle feebling, simple past and past participle feebled)

1. (obsolete) To make feeble; to enfeeble.

References

• feeble in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• feeble in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• beflee

Middle English

Adjective

feeble

1. Alternative form of feble