foible

noun

foi·ble | \ ˈfȯi-bəl

Definition of foible

1 : the part of a sword or foil blade between the middle and point

2 : a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : weakness admired their teacher despite his foibles … talent is always balanced by foible.— Janna Malamud Smith

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about foible

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for foible

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character. fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit. a writer of many virtues and few faults failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character. being late is a failing of mine frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation. human frailties foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy. an eccentric's charming foibles vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others. compulsive gambling was his vice

Did You Know?

The weakest part of a sword blade is the portion between the middle and the pointed tip. Back in the mid-1600s, English speakers borrowed the French word foible to refer to that most easily broken part of the sword or foil. Despite the superficial resemblance, "foible" does not come from "foil." The French foible was an adjective meaning "weak." (That French word, which is now obsolete, is derived from the same Old French term, feble, that gives us "feeble.") The English "foible" soon came to be applied not only to weaknesses in blades, but also to minor failings in character. It appeared in print with that use in 1673, and now the "character flaw" sense is considerably more popular than the original sword application.

Examples of foible in a Sentence

could tolerate my uncle's foibles because we loved him dearly

Recent Examples on the Web

But Bea’s voice as a writer is distinct, and Aine’s foibles and compulsions resist being lumped into a pile with other cheekily traumatized comic heroines. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "This Way Up Is a Bountiful Binge Watch," 22 Aug. 2019 The president's going to go after every one of your personal foibles. — NBC News, "Aug. 18, 2019 - Larry Kudlow, Beto O'Rourke and Mark Sanford," 18 Aug. 2019 Some are skillful in evoking examples of important qualities and charming foibles. — Judith Martin, The Mercury News, "Miss Manners: When funerals turn into entertainment," 15 July 2019 Has anyone had any luck gathering facts that might shed some light on why the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota’s largest public agency by expenditures, has been unable to explain their recent foibles? — Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Letters: Hoping the vast majority of our legislators will be replaced," 31 July 2019 The medium tends to dehumanize, taking people—complicated mulches of flesh and foibles and desires—and reducing them to the essence of a single moment. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Intimate Horror of Share," 27 July 2019 Its jokes derived not from human foibles but from the grinding gears of a comedy-writing machine. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "How Seinfeld Mastered the Comedy Domain," 13 July 2019 Maybe there is a future show in store on the foibles of cunnilingus. — Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, "Jacqueline Novak Chews Over the Blow Job in Her One-Woman Show “Get on Your Knees”," 27 July 2019 The foibles of three drag queens traveling cross-country. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "Everything Coming To Netflix In August," 25 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'foible.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for foible

foible

noun

English Language Learners Definition of foible

: a minor fault in someone's character or behavior

See the full definition for foible in the English Language Learners Dictionary

foible

noun

foi·ble | \ ˈfȯi-bəl

Kids Definition of foible

: an unimportant weakness or failing silly human foibles

Keep scrolling for more

foible

Definition of foible

Synonyms & Antonyms for foible

Choose the Right Synonym for foible

Did You Know?

Examples of foible in a Sentence

First Known Use of foible

History and Etymology for foible

English Language Learners Definition of foible

Kids Definition of foible

foible

Definition of foible

Synonyms & Antonyms for foible

Choose the Right Synonym for foible

Did You Know?

Examples of foible in a Sentence

First Known Use of foible

History and Etymology for foible

English Language Learners Definition of foible

Kids Definition of foible

WORD OF THE DAY