Faintest
/ˈfeɪntɪst/
adjectivenounB2superlative form
Definition
"Faintest" means the very smallest or weakest amount of something. It is often used to talk about very low levels of light, sound, feeling, or knowledge. For example, when someone says "I don't have the faintest idea," it means they have no idea at all.
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See It in Action
The smallest or weakest amount of something (light, sound, feeling)
- •There was not the faintest light in the room.
- •I heard the faintest noise outside.
- •She didn't have the faintest feeling of fear.
Used in expressions to mean no knowledge or understanding at all
- •I don't have the faintest idea what he means.
- •He doesn't have the faintest clue about how to fix the car.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "faintest" like "small" or "weak," but it means the smallest or weakest possible amount—like the tiniest bit you can imagine.
- ✓Picture a very dim light in a dark room—so soft you can barely see it.
- ✓It's the feeling when you almost don't hear a sound because it's so quiet, or when you barely understand something.
- ✓Sounds like "faint-est" → imagine the word "faint" (weak or light) with "-est" meaning "the most," so "the most faint."
- ✓Remember the phrase "not the faintest idea," meaning you have no clue at all, like your brain is completely empty about the topic.
- ✓NOT like "strong" or "clear"—"faintest" means very weak or small.
- ✓NOT like "some" or "a little"—"faintest" is the smallest or weakest amount possible, almost nothing.
Try Other Words
- •Slightest: smallest amount or degree (Use when emphasizing any very small amount or degree)
- •Weakest: least strong (Use when focusing on strength or power being very low)
- •Minimal: very small or least possible (Use in formal contexts for smallest amounts)
- •Barest: the smallest or least amount (Use when emphasizing the very minimum)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "faint" (weak, light) + "-est" (superlative suffix meaning "the most")
- •Etymology: "Faint" comes from Old French "feint," meaning weak or deficient; "-est" is a common English ending to show the highest degree
- •Historical development: "Faint" has been used since Middle English to mean weak or light; "faintest" developed as the superlative form to express the smallest amount
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday English to describe very weak amounts or to express complete lack of knowledge in idioms
Reflect & Connect
•How would you describe a situation where you only have the faintest hope of success? What feelings might you have?
•Can you think of times when having the faintest idea about something is important? How does that affect your actions?
Fill in the blanks
1.She didn't have the faintest ___ what to do in the emergency.
2.The faintest ___ of light helped us find the path in the dark forest.
3.I heard the faintest ___ of music coming from the next room.
4.He showed not the faintest ___ of interest in the conversation.
5.Without the faintest ___ of proof, the claim cannot be accepted.
6.The room was so dark that not even the faintest ___ of light could be seen.
7.When you say "not the faintest idea," it means you have ___ knowledge or understanding.