Foible

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfɔɪbÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -ɔɪbÉ™l

Origin

(1640-50) From Early Modern French foible ("feeble") (contemporary French faible).

Full definition of foible

Adjective

1. (obsolete) Weak; feeble.

Noun

1. A quirk, idiosyncrasy, or mannerism; unusual habit or way (usage is typically plural), that is slightly strange or silly.Try to look past his foibles and see the friendly fellow underneath.
• 1915, , by W.S.Maugham,They made up for the respect with which unconsciously they treated him by laughing at his foibles and lamenting his vices.
• 1959, Meriden Record, "An ounce of prevention", July 24 issueFinal fillip in the Vice-President's study has been a boning up on Premier Khrushchev's favorite foible, proverbs. The bibulous Russian leader likes to throw out homely homilies in his speeches and conversations..
2. (fencing) Part of a sword between the middle and the point, weaker than the forte.
3. A weakness or failing of character.
• 1932, , by William FloydJesus is reverenced as the one man who has lived unspotted by the world, free from human foibles, able to redeem mankind by his example.

Synonyms

• (a weakness or failing of character) fault

Related terms

• feeble