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languish

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/

KK: /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To become weak or feeble, often due to lack of care or attention; to suffer from neglect or longing.


Example

After being away from home for so long, he began to languish in his loneliness.


Tense Forms

Past: languished

Past Participle: languished


Conversation
Sloth A
I feel like I might languish if I stay in this job much longer.
Sloth B
I understand, sometimes the routine can really drain your energy.
Sloth A
Exactly! I just want to do something that excites me.
Sloth B
You should definitely explore new opportunities before you start to languish.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
waste
fade
dwindle
Antonyms
thrive
flourish
prosper
Root Explanation

Languish → It is formed from "languere" (meaning to be weak or faint) and the suffix "-ish" (indicating a tendency or quality). The word "languish" means to become weak or to suffer from a lack of vitality.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'weak' ('languere') and how that leads to a sense of suffering or decline.

Visually Confused Words
anguish
slangish
anguis
aguish
enanguish
anguished
vaguish
planish
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