In a way that is barely perceptible, weak, or soft; with little strength, brightness, or clarity.
From 'faint' (from Old French 'feint,' meaning 'to fail' or 'to lack strength') plus the adverb suffix '-ly.' The word originally referred to a lack of physical courage or resolve.
Our language connects 'faint' to both physical weakness and emotional cowardice—which is why a 'faint-hearted' person seemed 'weak'—and this connection shows how bodily experiences shaped how we talk about feelings.
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