adv

faintly

FAYNT-lee

Faintly (adv) means In a barely noticeable or weak manner. Example: “The music played faintly in the background.”

adv

In a barely noticeable or weak manner.

"The music played faintly in the background."

"She smiled faintly and said nothing."

How to use faintly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWeakly or barely — used for sounds, smells, light, or feelings that are hard to detect.

Word forms

faintlier comparative, faintliest superlative

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The music played _____ in the background.

Etymology

From Middle English feintli, feintliche, equivalent to faint + -ly.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for faintly

saintly jointly

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Frequently asked questions

What does “faintly” mean?

The word “faintly” means in a barely noticeable or weak manner. In plain terms, weakly or barely — used for sounds, smells, light, or feelings that are hard to detect.

How do you pronounce “faintly”?

“Faintly” is pronounced FAYNT-lee (/ˈfeɪntli/ in IPA).

How do you use “faintly” in a sentence?

Here is “faintly” used in a sentence: “The music played faintly in the background.”

What part of speech is “faintly”?

“Faintly” is an adverb.