fain

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fain

¹fain

adj \ˈfān\

Definition of FAIN

1 archaic : happy, pleased

2 archaic : inclined, desirous

3 a : willing <he was very fain, for the young widow was “altogether fair and lovely…” — Amy Kelly> b : being obliged or constrained : compelled <Great Britain was fain to devote its whole energy … to the business of slaying and being slain — G. M. Trevelyan>

Examples of FAIN

1. <during the Renaissance most men of science and the arts were fain to express their noblest thoughts in Latin, the lingua franca of the learned>

Origin of FAIN

Middle English fagen, fayn, from Old English fægen; akin to Old English gefēon to rejoice, Old High German gifehan, Old Norse feginn happy

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FAIN

Synonyms: amenable, disposed, willing, game, glad, inclined, minded, ready

Antonyms: disinclined, unamenable, unwilling

Related Words: predisposed, prone; accommodating, agreeable, compliant, cooperative, obedient, obliging, submissive; favorable, receptive; prepared, prompt, quick, responsive, swift; desirous, eager, enthused, enthusiastic, excited

Near Antonyms: averse, loath (also loth or loathe), reluctant, reticent

[+]more

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fain?show=1&t=1300436461

²fain

adv

Definition of FAIN

1 : with pleasure : gladly <a speech of fire that fain would blaze — Michael Billington>

2 a : by preference <knew it, too, though he would fain not admit it publicly — John Lukacs> b : by desire <I would fain consult you — W. S. Gilbert>

Examples of FAIN

1. <“I would fain not marry that suitor, my lord,” the princess pleaded>

First Known Use of FAIN

12th century

Related to FAIN

Synonyms: rather, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly

Antonyms: involuntarily, unwillingly

Related Words: alternately, alternatively, either, instead; electively, optionally; desirably, gladly, wishfully; obligingly, voluntarily

Near Antonyms: reluctantly; forcibly, willy-nilly

[+]more

Advertisements