feebly
- adverb
- /ˈfiːbli/
- The sunlight filtered feebly through the thick fog, barely illuminating the path ahead.
- smiled feebly
- said feebly
- tried feebly
Examples
-
"Oh, yes, of course," Nora said feebly and looked out the window.
Fiction book (1998) -
When the call went through, the old woman asked feebly: Erik, what news?
Fiction book (1994) -
Even so, the next day I feebly gave his scheme a try and completely screwed up in the process.
-
Lights from the street cast down feebly through the dark near the old schoolhouse.
Fiction book (1993) -
The winter sun shone rather feebly in the parking lot.
Fiction book (1997) -
Tom looks up, the color drained from his face, and reaches feebly out for his hat.
Fiction book (1990) -
My voice floated feebly up toward the flaring lights in the sharp night air.
Fiction book (1991) -
The afternoon was closing fast, the sun blinking feebly through the gray overcast.
Fiction book (1990) -
Their horns bleat feebly, as if they are asphyxiating on their own exhaust.
Academic text (2011) -
Rory shivered and smiled feebly, following Night as he opened the refrigerator.
Fiction book (1991)
Synonyms
In a way that shows little strength or energy
With little feeling or energy
In a weak way that does not seem believable
In a way that shows little energy or interest
In a weak, pale way that shows little energy
In a weak, light way that shows little color or energy
In a way that cannot change or stop something
In a weak, pale way showing little energy
Slowly and without energy
In a weak, quiet way that shows little confidence
In a limp, weak way that is not firm
In a slow, tired way showing little energy
In a pale, weak way with little energy
Antonyms
How Strongly
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Feebly comes from the adjective feeble, which means 'weak' or without much strength. So to do something feebly is to do it in a weak, low-energy way, like a small candle that barely gives light.