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Glite Dictionary
fain

fain

2 9.9
To do something gladly because you want to
  • adverb
  • /feɪn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : gustosamente
  • I would fain know what you have to say.
  • fain know

Examples

  • I may chance to see you, for I would fain speak with you.

    Othello (1995)

  • I would fain speak with you at the festival.

  • I would fain prove so.

    Hamlet (1948)

  • I would fain have it a match, and I doubt not but to fashion it, if you will but minister assistance.

    Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

  • I'd fain know that - that I have positively said "'Tis so" that it proved otherwise?

    Hamlet (1948)

  • "I would fain keep sober always... who does not prefer to be intoxicated by the air he breathes?" - Henry David Thoreau

    Blog text (22)

  • The children would fain play outside if the rain would stop.

  • He would fain see the new movie with his friends this weekend.

Synonyms

gladly
vsfain
136 1.0

With pleasure and willing to do something

is more eager and somewhat older in tone than that neutral willingness
lief
vsfain
  • Archaic
9.9

Willingly, often used in older English

is more eager and joyful than that simple willing acceptance
mirthfully
vsfain
6.3

In a happy, laughing way

is primarily about eager pleasure not necessarily joyful emotion

Antonyms

reluctantly
80 3.7

In a way that shows you do not want to do something

unwillingly
8 3.4

In a way that shows you do not want to do something

How Willing

eagerly
67 1.3
fain
  • Archaic
2 9.9
willingly
119 1.9

Surface Forms

fain positive

Etymology

The word fain comes from the old English word fægn, which meant 'glad' or 'joyful'. So, to do something fain is to do it gladly or with pleasure.