The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

wilt

IPA:

Dictionary definition of wilt

To become limp, drooping, or losing strength, vitality, or freshness.
"His enthusiasm for the project began to wilt as the challenges piled up."

Detailed meaning of wilt

It is often used to describe the physical state of plants or flowers when they lack water, nutrients, or favorable growing conditions, causing their leaves or petals to become limp or withered. However, "wilt" can also be applied metaphorically to describe the loss of energy, motivation, or enthusiasm in individuals or situations. When something or someone wilts, there is a noticeable decrease in liveliness, vigor, or resilience. It can imply a sense of exhaustion, defeat, or decline. The term "wilt" suggests a loss of firmness, freshness, or vibrancy, whether in a literal or figurative sense, highlighting the diminishing state of whatever is being described.

Example sentences containing wilt

1. If you don't water this plant daily, it will wilt.
2. I could see how under the scorching sun, the young seedlings wilt.
3. Be careful with these roses; they wilt quite easily.
4. Don't leave the flowers in direct sunlight; they wilt.
5. When she saw her bouquet begin to wilt, her heart sank.
6. I hate to see a vibrant green leaf wilt due to neglect.

History and etymology of wilt

The verb 'wilt' has its origins in Middle English and is related to the Old English word 'wiltan' or 'wieltan.' This term evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'weltijan,' which conveys the idea of becoming weak or feeble. 'Wilt' describes the process by which something, typically a plant or object, loses its strength, vitality, or freshness, causing it to become limp or droop. It is often used to depict the withering or sagging of plants due to a lack of water or vitality. Metaphorically, 'wilt' can also be applied to describe a person or thing losing enthusiasm, energy, or vigor, rendering it less vibrant or resilient.

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Further usage examples of wilt

1. You can tell if the plant needs water if the leaves start to wilt.
2. Without enough sunlight, the indoor plants may wilt.
3. Lack of proper care can make even the hardiest plant wilt.
4. She noticed that her houseplants wilt when exposed to cold drafts.
5. With regular watering and good light, your new fern shouldn't wilt.
6. Despite being a desert plant, a cactus can still wilt from overwatering.
7. If you forget to water these hanging plants, they'll wilt in no time.
8. Excessive heat will make your potted herbs wilt.
9. When you notice the first signs of wilt, it might already be too late.
10. Let's move these seedlings to a cooler spot before they wilt.
11. The lettuce in my garden seems to wilt at the slightest hint of heat.
12. When you overwater an orchid, its leaves will wilt.
13. The morning frost made the delicate petals of the daisy wilt.
14. The spinach will wilt quickly in the pan, so keep a close eye on it.