i Register
In some senses, foible is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.
foible
/ˈfɔɪbəl/
noun 3adj 1
Collocations
2ADJ.
nervous, smallest
ADV.
almost
Definitions
noun
1
A quirk, idiosyncrasy, frailty, or mannerism; an unusual habit that is slightly strange or silly.
Try to look past his foibles and see the friendly fellow underneath.
He knew that this was like the sudden impulse of a madman—incongruous even with his habitual foibles.
2
A weakness or failing of character.
Jesus is reverenced as the one man who has lived unspotted by the world, free from human foibles, able to redeem mankind by his example.
3
Part of a sword between the middle and the point, weaker than the forte.
adj
1
Weak; feeble.
The good Fencing-maſters, in France eſpecially, when they preſent a Foyle or Fleuret to their Scholars, tell him it hath two Parts, one of which he calleth the Fort or ſtrong, and the other the Foyble or weak […]
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun — a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to a
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
Try to look past his foibles and see the friendly fellow underneath.
Wiktionary02
He knew that this was like the sudden impulse of a madman—incongruous even with his habitual foibles.
Wiktionary03
Marguerite Blakeney was, above all, a woman, with all a woman’s fascinating foibles, all a woman’s most lovable sins.
Wiktionary04
The good Fencing-maſters, in France eſpecially, when they preſent a Foyle or Fleuret to their Scholars, tell him it hath two Parts, one of which he calleth the Fort or ſtrong, and the other the Foyble
Wiktionary05
Her tendency to talk too much when she's nervous is a foible I can tolerate.
Tatoeba · #897606406
Well their lives became such an open book that even the smallest foible became magnified almost beyond recognition.
Tatoeba · #12112085Usage Notes
Your note
not saved0 chars