fain
Friday, 18 March 2011 § Leave a comment
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fain
1fain
adj \ˈfān\
Definition of FAIN
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
- <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
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
- <“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
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