fain
gb/fˈeɪn/ us/fˈeɪn/
C2
English
~ 4500
szívesen, hajlandó
C2
ARCHAIC
1
szívesen
A1
Usage pattern:
[someone] would fain [verb]
I would fain join you on your journey, were I invited.
Szívesen csatlakoznék hozzátok az útra, ha meghívnátok.
She would fain help if she could.
Szívesen segítene, ha tudna.
He would fain believe the news, but he had doubts.
Learner examples
I would fain go with you.
Szívesen mennék veled.
She would fain help her friend.
Szívesen segítene a barátjának.
He would fain tell the truth.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'fain' with 'feign', which means to pretend.
Meaning
willingly or gladly
Collocations
would fain
|fain admit
|fain acknowledge
Synonyms
gladly (More common modern equivalent, neutral register.)
|
willingly (Highlights readiness rather than joy; modern usage.)
Antonyms
reluctantly (Shows doing something without wanting to, opposite of willingly.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a way that shows you are happy to do something.
With pleasure or readiness; willingly.
C2
ARCHAIC
2
hajlandó
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is fain to [verb]
He was fain to accept the offer despite his reservations.
Fenntartásai ellenére hajlandó volt elfogadni az ajánlatot.
They were fain to agree to the terms.
Hajlandók voltak elfogadni a feltételeket.
She was fain to help her neighbor.
Learner examples
I am fain to help you.
Hajlandó vagyok segíteni neked.
He is fain to join the game.
Hajlandó csatlakozni a játékhoz.
We are fain to start now.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'fain' means 'forced', which is incorrect.
Meaning
eager or willing
Collocations
fain to accept
|fain to oblige
Synonyms
ready (Neutral, modern term for being prepared or willing.)
|
eager (More emotional enthusiasm than 'fain'.)
Antonyms
unwilling (Direct opposite in terms of readiness or desire.)
Themes
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Wanting to do something or ready to do it.
Eager or willing under the circumstances.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fain
IPA
GB/fˈeɪn/
US/fˈeɪn/
Syllables & stress
fain (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (fain)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: fain
- Comparative: fainer
- Superlative: fainest
Word family
Forms
fainer
adjective
fainest
adjective
Expressions
would fain
1/wˈʊd fˈeɪn/
fixed phrase
archaic
would willingly do something
Used to say that someone wants to do something or is happy to do it.
Examples
- I would fain tell you all I know, but time is short.
- She would fain assist, yet she lacks the means.