Basic Details
Word: Weaken
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something less strong or less powerful.
Synonyms: Diminish, Reduce, Lessen
Antonyms: Strengthen, Fortify, Enhance
Idioms and Phrases
- Weaken at the knees: To feel overwhelmed or weak due to emotion. Example: "When she received the award, she felt weak at the knees with joy."
- Weaken someone's resolve: To make someone less determined to do something. Example: "The persuasive argument helped to weaken his resolve to say no."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The long illness began to weaken him, making it hard for him to complete simple tasks.
Example 2: The storm will likely weaken the structure of the old building if it continues to rage.
Example 3: The constant arguments can weaken their friendship, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Fun Fact
The word "weaken" comes from the Old English word "wccean," which means to make weak, and it has been in use for centuries to describe a reduction in strength.
Famous Quote
"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." Charles Darwin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "weaken" mean?
a) To make something stronger
b) To make something less strong
c) To keep something the same
d) To improve something
Answer: b) To make something less strong
2. Which of these is a synonym of "weaken"?
a) Enhance
b) Diminish
c) Fortify
d) Strengthen
Answer: b) Diminish
3. Which word is an antonym of "weaken"?
a) Lessen
b) Strengthen
c) Reduce
d) Weaken
Answer: b) Strengthen
4. Which sentence uses "weaken" correctly?
a) She tried to weaken the glass with her hands.
b) The heavy rain will weaken the soil, making it more likely to erode.
c) He wanted to weaken his health for the race.
d) The flower will weaken and become more colourful.
Answer: b) The heavy rain will weaken the soil, making it more likely to erode.
5. Which idiom relates to the word "weaken"?
a) Weaken at the knees
b) Strong as an ox
c) As weak as a kitten
d) The cream rises to the top
Answer: a) Weaken at the knees
