Word
faintly
Phoneticsfaint·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfeɪntɫi/
UK/fˈeɪntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is not strong or clear. You use this to describe things you can only just see, hear, or feel.
adv. to a slight degree; in a manner that is barely perceptible or lacking in intensity.
Examples
“I could faintly hear music playing next door.”
“The old map was so worn that the names of the cities were only faintly visible under the lamp.”
“She smiled faintly at the memory, though a trace of sadness remained in her eyes as she turned back to her work.”
Examples
simple
“I could faintly hear music playing next door.”
contextual
“The old map was so worn that the names of the cities were only faintly visible under the lamp.”
complex
“She smiled faintly at the memory, though a trace of sadness remained in her eyes as she turned back to her work.”
Usage
Often modifies adjectives related to the senses, such as 'visible', 'audible', or 'scented'.
Real-World Examples
“Some shine brightly, some glow faintly, and how bright they are shapes how a fruit grows, ripens and tastes.” “The elongation is faintly visible in this Hubble image, which shows the ghostly glow of the starry bulge peeking above and below the dusty disk.” Etymology
From Middle English feintli, feintliche, equivalent to faint + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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