Literary notes about feebly (AI summary)
The adverb "feebly" often appears in literature to convey a sense of weakness, hesitancy, or depleted energy in both physical actions and emotional expressions. It is used to underscore the diminished intensity of a character’s voice or movement—as seen when someone speaks or acts with a lack of conviction ([1], [2], [3])—and to describe settings darkened by a dwindling light or a weakening pulse of activity ([4], [5], [6]). In various contexts, from the faltering grasp of a hand ([7]) to the soft, almost imperceptible rhythm of speech or movement ([8], [9]), the term enriches the narrative by inviting readers to sense the vulnerability and diminished force inherent in both human and environmental conditions.
- I have put these considerations to you, my dear Sir, very feebly and imperfectly, but I ask you to think of them.
— from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - Who to?” asked the boy, suddenly and very feebly.
— from The Railway Children by E. Nesbit - '“Shall” is summ'at of a hard word, Captain,' urged Riderhood, still feebly dodging between him and the door, as he advanced.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - Our conference was held in the state parlor, which was feebly lighted by one candle.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - Hours later, the small creature opened its eyes, stood up, and walked feebly.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - The candle was brought up again, feebly burning, and then some water was cast in.
— from Hard Times by Charles Dickens - An enormous puppy was looking down at her with large round eyes, and feebly stretching out one paw, trying to touch her.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - It was even beating a little less feebly, as though the movement of the carriage had brought about a certain fresh access of life.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - He feebly moved his leg and uttered a weak, sickly groan which aroused his own pity.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy