LANGUISH Meaning and
Definition
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Languish is a verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. However, at its core, it generally refers to a state of decline, deterioration, or suffering.
One common meaning of languish is to experience a prolonged state of physical or emotional weakness. It often implies a lack of vitality or energy, suggesting that someone or something is becoming feeble or wasting away due to neglect or unfavorable conditions. For instance, a person might languish in a hospital bed, weakened by a debilitating illness. Similarly, a neglected plant left without water may languish and eventually die.
Another meaning of languish is to live in a state of dissatisfaction or unhappiness due to unfulfilled desires or unachieved goals. This usage often implies a sense of longing or yearning, where one feels frustrated or unsatisfied with their current situation. For example, a talented musician stuck in a dead-end job may feel like they are languishing, longing for their chance to pursue their passion.
Additionally, languish can also refer to a state of inactivity or neglect, specifically in relation to progress or development. In this sense, it suggests an absence of growth or improvement, and can apply to both individuals and institutions alike. For instance, a once-thriving business that has started losing customers and stagnating might be said to be languishing.
Overall, whether referring to physical weakness, emotional discontentment, or lack of progress, languish often conveys a sense of decline, hardship, or suffering.
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To lose strength or animation; to look with softness or tenderness; to pine; to become feeble or spiritless; to grow dull.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LANGUISH *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LANGUISH
Etymology of LANGUISH
The word "languish" originated from the Old French verb "languiss-" or "languir", which means "to be weak or faint". It can be traced back further to the Latin term "languere", having the same meaning. The root of the word is believed to be the Proto-Indo-European *slēg-, which means "to be slack or languid". Over time, the word "languish" has retained its original sense of weakness or lack of vitality, but it has also come to signify a state of suffering, longing, or lack of progress.
Idioms with the word LANGUISH
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languish over sm or sth
The idiom "languish over something" means to suffer silently and long for or be deeply affected by something, often in a state of unhappiness, discontent, or longing. It implies a sense of prolonged distress or emotional torment associated with a particular situation or person.
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languish in
The idiom "languish in" means to remain in a state of neglect, sadness, or deterioration without making any efforts to improve or change the situation. It refers to a situation where someone or something suffers and remains stagnant or unattended for a prolonged period.
Similar spelling words for LANGUISH
Conjugate verb Languish
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have languished
you
would have languished
he/she/it
would have languished
we
would have languished
they
would have languished
I
would have languish
you
would have languish
he/she/it
would have languish
we
would have languish
they
would have languish
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been languishing
you
would have been languishing
he/she/it
would have been languishing
we
would have been languishing
they
would have been languishing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would languish
you
would languish
he/she/it
would languish
we
would languish
they
would languish
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be languishing
you
would be languishing
he/she/it
would be languishing
we
would be languishing
they
would be languishing
FUTURE
I
will languish
you
will languish
he/she/it
will languish
we
will languish
they
will languish
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be languishing
you
will be languishing
he/she/it
will be languishing
we
will be languishing
they
will be languishing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have languished
you
will have languished
he/she/it
will have languished
we
will have languished
they
will have languished
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been languishing
you
will have been languishing
he/she/it
will have been languishing
we
will have been languishing
they
will have been languishing
IMPERATIVE
you
languish
we
let´s languish
to languish
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was languishing
you
were languishing
he/she/it
was languishing
we
were languishing
they
were languishing
PAST PARTICIPLE
languished
PAST PERFECT
I
had languished
you
had languished
he/she/it
had languished
we
had languished
they
had languished
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been languishing
you
had been languishing
he/she/it
had been languishing
we
had been languishing
they
had been languishing
PRESENT
I
languish
you
languish
he/she/it
languishes
we
languish
they
languish
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am languishing
you
are languishing
he/she/it
is languishing
we
are languishing
they
are languishing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
languishing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have languished
you
have languished
he/she/it
has languished
we
have languished
they
have languished
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been languishing
you
have been languishing
he/she/it
has been languishing
we
have been languishing
they
have been languishing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
languish
SIMPLE PAST
I
languished
you
languished
he/she/it
languished
we
languished
they
languished
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