Maladif (en. Sickly)

/mal(ə)dif/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Related to an illness or showing physical weakness.
He has a sickly look, which worries his loved ones.
Il a un air maladif, ce qui inquiète ses proches.
Of a behavior or attitude excessively affected by illness or anxiety.
His obsession with cleanliness is almost sickly.
Son obsession pour la propreté est presque maladive.
Refers to a person who is often ill or has fragile health.
She has a sickly constitution, making her vulnerable to infections.
Elle est d'une constitution maladive, ce qui la rend vulnérable aux infections.

Etymology

From Latin 'maladivus', composed of 'mal' and 'habere', meaning 'to have pain'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to have a sickly complexion
having a pale skin color suggesting poor health.
avoir un teint maladif
sickly to the point of
being so affected by something that it becomes problematic.
maladif au point de

Related Words

illness
State of an organism that does not function normally.
maladie
unhappy
Who experiences misfortune or suffering.
malheureux
clumsiness
Lack of skill or finesse in actions.
maladresse

Slang Meanings

To feel uncomfortable in one's skin.
Since he lost his job, he feels quite sickly.
Depuis qu'il a perdu son job, il se sent plutôt maladif.
To have a health concern that is often ridiculous.
He makes a big deal about his little cold; it's almost sickly.
Il fait tout un drame de sa petite grippe, c'est presque maladif.