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Dictionary definition of languish

To become weak, listless, or dispirited, often as a result of prolonged suffering, neglect, or lack of stimulation.
"He started to languish without her love and affection."

Detailed meaning of languish

When we use the term "languish," we emphasize a state of physical or emotional deterioration, where one's vitality and energy diminish, leading to a sense of decline or stagnation. People or things can languish, whether it's someone languishing in a hospital bed, a neglected plant languishing without water, or a project languishing due to lack of attention. Languishing often implies a yearning for improvement or relief from the state of neglect or suffering. This verb conveys a sense of longing for renewal and recovery, as those who languish often need intervention, care, or change to regain their vitality and well-being.

Example sentences of languish

1. After his wife's death, he began to languish in his solitary apartment.
2. If you continue to languish in self-doubt, you'll never accomplish your goals.
3. The vibrant city started to languish after a series of natural disasters.
4. It's painful to see the potential of our youth languish due to lack of educational opportunities.
5. They let their skills languish, leading to a notable decline in their performance.
6. We can't afford to let this project languish any longer.

History and etymology of languish

The verb 'languish' has its roots in the Old French word 'languiss-,' which was derived from the Latin word 'languere.' In Latin, 'languere' meant 'to be weak or faint.' This Latin term itself had connections to 'laxus,' which meant 'loose' or 'slack,' and 'labor,' meaning 'toil' or 'exertion.' Over time, as it evolved from Latin into Old French and later into English, 'languish' took on the meaning of becoming weak, listless, or dispirited, often as a result of prolonged suffering, neglect, or lack of stimulation. Its etymology reflects the idea of a gradual decline in strength and vitality, akin to a loosening of one's energy or spirit, which captures the essence of languishing.

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Further usage examples of languish

1. When he fell ill, he seemed to languish more and more each day.
2. The dogs left in the shelter tend to languish, waiting for a family to adopt them.
3. To languish in ignorance is a choice we can't afford in this technologically advanced world.
4. His passion for painting started to languish after he took on a full-time job.
5. If you let your talents languish, they may fade over time.
6. Her enthusiasm to learn seemed to languish as the coursework became more challenging.
7. The once flourishing garden started to languish due to neglect.
8. To languish in despair is to give in to life's challenges.
9. Letting a good idea languish is often the downfall of many inventors.
10. The roses will languish if they don't receive enough sunlight.
11. In a world that doesn't value poetry, poets often languish, unrecognized.
12. Her love seemed to languish after years of distance between them.
13. If we allow human rights to languish, society as a whole will suffer.
14. Don't let your dreams languish; take action to achieve them.