languish - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
languish Word Meanings
- to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place
- to become weak or feeble
- to experience prolonged unhappiness or delay
languish Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
languish Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/
US
/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/
languish Word Etymology
lan- = weak, guish = to waste away. From Latin 'languere' → Old French 'languir' → English 'languish'. Imagine a wilting flower drooping under the sun's harsh light, slowly losing its petals as it suffers from thirst and neglect.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Languish means to suffer from being kept in an unpleasant place or condition, to become weak or feeble, or to experience prolonged unhappiness or delay. It can describe a person, a plant, or a situation that fails to progress. The etymology traces lan- meaning 'weak' and guish meaning 'to waste away', from Latin languere, Old French languir, into English languish. In use, you might say a prisoner languishes in prison, or a company languishes while waiting for funding; it conveys decline or stagnation rather than mere boredom.
Usage Reminders
- languish often implies slow decline rather than mere boredom. It usually describes people, plants, or situations that fail to progress. Don't confuse with lag, linger, or languid (adjective). Use with in/under to show context (languish in prison, languish under harsh sun). Pair with 'for' or 'in' to express duration or condition.
Common Misconceptions
- It's just 'being bored'—it implies decline or stagnation, not mere annoyance.
- Only people can languish, not objects or places.
- It's the same as 'lag' or 'linger'—they have different nuances.
- It's temporary; languish usually suggests a longer, persistent state.
- It means happiness is lost; it actually highlights lack of progress or vitality.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, languish often signals a formal or literary sense of slow decline. Some learners mistake it for simple boredom or use it for short delays; in practice, it emphasizes a stagnation with vitality that has faded. Expect collocations like languish in prison or languish under pressure.
Learning Tips
- Compare languish with verbs like fail, wither, or stagnate to notice nuances.
- Practice collocations: languish in/under + place or condition.
- Read literary sentences to sense the formal tone.
- Create mini-dialogues showing gradual decline rather than sudden change.
- Notice the subject can be a person, plant, or situation.
- Check usage in formal writing (essays, reports) to feel the weight.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'languish'?
A.Struggle
B.Suffer
C.Laugh
D.Grow
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'languish' used correctly?
A.She laughed at her friend's joke.
B.The plants grew after the rain.
C.The prisoners continue to languish in their cells.
D.He struggled to finish the race.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'languish'?
A.Prosper
B.Wilt
C.Thrive
D.Flourish
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'languish'?
A.Revive
B.Flourish
C.Persevere
D.Excel
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation might someone 'languish'?
A.When they are ignored or neglected
B.When they are well-rested
C.After receiving good news
D.During a celebration
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