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adj. faint·er, faint·est 1. a. Done with little strength or vigor; feeble: a faint attempt to apologize. b. So weak as to be difficult to perceive; a faint light in the distance; a faint echo. c. Lacking clarity or distinctness: a faint recollection. d. Small in degree or amount; meager: faint chance of getting a raise. 2. Lacking conviction, boldness, or courage; timid: a tourist who is faint at heart. 3. Likely to fall into a faint; dizzy and weak: felt faint for a moment. n. An abrupt, usually brief loss of consciousness, generally associated with failure of normal blood circulation. intr.v. faint·ed, faint·ing, faints 1. To fall into a usually brief state of unconsciousness. 2. Archaic To weaken in purpose or spirit. [Middle English, deceitful, cowardly, from Old French, past participle of feindre, to feign; see FEIGN.] fainter n. faintly adv. faintness n. |
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