Faint of Heart vs. Feint of Heart – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is faint of heart, meaning easily scared, timid, or lacking courage. Feint of heart is a common misspelling resulting from phonetic confusion between “faint” and “feint,” which have distinct meanings and applications.
Faint of Heart or Feint of Heart – Which is Correct?
The correct idiom is “faint of heart.” This phrase describes someone who is easily frightened, timid, or lacks courage. The word “faint” in this context refers to a lack of strength or spirit. “Feint of heart” is an incorrect spelling, likely arising from the phonetic similarity of “faint” and “feint.” The word “feint” refers to a deceptive movement or a mock attack, primarily used in contexts like boxing or military strategy, and it does not form part of the idiom.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faint of heart | Idiom | Easily scared, timid, lacking courage or resolve. | This challenge is not for the faint of heart. |
| Feint of heart | Incorrect | Not a recognized idiom or phrase; a common misspelling. | (Incorrect usage) She was |
How to Use Faint of Heart
The idiom “faint of heart” is used to describe someone who is not brave or courageous enough to handle a difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situation. It’s often used in a slightly critical or dismissive tone, implying a lack of fortitude. The phrase remains consistent; you don’t conjugate “faint” when using it in this idiom.
Example 1: Climbing Mount Everest is an extreme endeavor that is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Example 2: When the horror movie started, my sister, being faint of heart, covered her eyes.
Example 3: You’ll need to be prepared for harsh criticism if you enter politics; it’s not a career for the faint of heart.
What are the different forms of Faint of Heart?
“Faint of heart” functions as an idiomatic phrase and does not typically change forms like a verb or noun. The core components “faint” and “heart” are fixed within the idiom. While “faint” as an adjective can have comparative and superlative forms (fainter, faintest), these are not applied when it’s part of this specific idiom. Similarly, “heart” remains singular. The idiom itself is used as a descriptive phrase for a person or to characterize a situation.
Etymology of the word Faint of Heart
The idiom “faint of heart” draws its meaning from the individual words. “Faint” comes from the Old French feint (past participle of feindre), meaning “to feign, pretend, shirk, or be lazy.” By the 14th century, it evolved to mean “lacking strength, weak, or spiritless.” “Heart” has long been associated with courage, emotions, and the core of one’s being. Thus, to be “faint of heart” literally means to have a weak or spiritless heart, signifying a lack of courage or resolve. The phrase has been in use for centuries, appearing in literature as early as the 16th century.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “faint of heart” and “feint of heart” highlights the common linguistic phenomenon of homophones or near-homophones – words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings. “Faint” (lacking strength, dim) and “feint” (a deceptive move) are distinct words that can easily be mixed up, especially in writing, if one relies solely on sound. Understanding the specific meaning and context of each word is crucial to avoiding such errors and correctly using idioms.
This linguistic challenge is similar to other commonly confused pairs, such as feal versus feel, where distinct meanings require careful attention.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The journey ahead is arduous and fraught with peril, certainly not for the faint of heart.” – From an adventure novel.
- “Becoming a surgeon requires years of rigorous training and a strong stomach; it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.” – A news article about medical careers.
- “Only those not faint of heart will dare to cross the haunted bridge after midnight.” – A local legend recounted in a documentary.
- “The stock market can be a turbulent place, and investors who are faint of heart might find themselves making rash decisions.” – A financial advice column.
- “Dealing with unruly teenagers is a daily challenge that requires patience and resilience, not a task for the faint of heart.” – A parenting blog.
Faint of Heart Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Timid | Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened. |
| Cowardly | Lacking courage. |
| Apprehensive | Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen. |
| Chicken-hearted | Easily scared; timid. |
| Pusillanimous | Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the primary meaning of “faint of heart”?
“Faint of heart” primarily means easily scared, timid, or lacking courage and resolve in the face of difficulty or danger.
Question 2: Why do people confuse “faint of heart” with “feint of heart”?
The confusion often arises because “faint” and “feint” are homophones or near-homophones, meaning they sound very similar. “Feint of heart” is a common misspelling due to this phonetic resemblance, despite “feint” having a completely different meaning.
Question 3: Can “faint of heart” be used to describe an object or situation?
While the idiom typically describes a person, it can also be used figuratively to describe a situation that would challenge anyone lacking courage. For example, “The roller coaster ride is not for the faint of heart” implies the ride itself is daunting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct idiom is unequivocally faint of heart, meaning timid or lacking courage. The phrase feint of heart is a common misspelling that should be avoided. Remembering that “faint” relates to weakness or dimness, while “feint” relates to a deceptive move, can help distinguish between the two. Always choose “faint of heart” when referring to someone’s courage or lack thereof. Pro Tip: Using correct idioms and precise language not only clarifies your message but also enhances your credibility and professional reputation.
