Debile

/dɪˈbil/ adjective

Definition

Weak, feeble, or lacking strength or vigor; of poor quality or insignificant.

Etymology

From Latin debilis (weak, feeble), which may derive from de- (away, down) plus habilis (able, fit), literally meaning 'not able.' The word entered English through French.

Kelly Says

This lovely old word has almost vanished from English, replaced by 'feeble' or 'weak,' but it survives in 'debilitate' and medical terminology—it's an ancestor word that gave birth to more common descendants!

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