Meaning & Definition of word "Wan"

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    Wan

    /wɒn/

    adjective:

    • 1. pale or weak in color; lacking brightness.
      • Example: Her wan face suggested that she had been ill for some time.
    • 2. showing or suggesting exhaustion, weariness, or lack of energy.
      • Example: After the long hike, he appeared wan and needed to rest.
    • 3. lacking vitality or intensity; feeble.
      • Example: The wan light of the early dawn barely illuminated the room.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'wan,' from Old English 'wanian' meaning 'to diminish.'

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    wan smile:

    a weak or feeble smile

    wan hope:

    a faint or improbable hope

    Related Words

    pallor:

    unhealthy pale appearance

    listless:

    lacking energy or enthusiasm

    Slang Meanings of wan

    Meaning: defeated or beaten down

    Example Sentence: After losing the game, he felt totally wan.

    Meaning: not lively or energetic

    Example Sentence: The party was altogether too wan for my taste.