different between ineffectual vs milksop

English

Alternative forms

• ineffectuall (obsolete)

Etymology

in- +? effectual

Adjective

ineffectual (comparative more ineffectual, superlative most ineffectual)

1. Unable or insufficient to produce effect.

   Synonyms: futile; see also Thesaurus:futile

   • 1865, Henry David Thoreau, Cape Cod, Chapter II. "Stage-coach Views", page 16.

     This coach was an exceedingly narrow one, but as there was a slight spherical excess over two on a seat, the driver waited till nine passengers had got in, without taking the measure of any of them, and then shut the door after two or three ineffectual slams, as if the fault were all in the hinges or the latch,—while we timed our inspirations and expirations so as to assist him.

2. Worthless.
3. Weak, indecisive; lacking forcefulness.

Antonyms

• effectual

Related terms

• ineffectualness
• ineffectuality
• ineffectually

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English milksop, mylk sop, mylke soppe, equivalent to milk +? sop.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?lk?s?p/

Noun

milksop (plural milksops)

1. A piece of bread sopped in milk.
2. Bread pieces in a bowl, sprinkled with sugar, & covered in hot milk.
3. (by extension, derogatory) A weak, easily frightened or ineffectual person.

Synonyms

• (weak person): milquetoast, sissy, wuss; see also Thesaurus:milksop

Derived terms

• milksoppery
• milksoppish
• milksoppy

Translations

See also

• winesop