Fain

Quick meaning: Fain is an adjective meaning (UK, dialectal) Chiefly followed by to, or (obsolete) for or of: eager or willing, or inclined.

Meaning

(UK, dialectal) Chiefly followed by to, or (obsolete) for or of: eager or willing, or inclined.

More Meanings

1. Chiefly preceded or followed by would.
2. To be delighted or glad about (someone or something); to rejoice in; also, to favour or prefer (someone or something).
3. To make (someone) glad; to gladden; hence, to congratulate (someone); to welcome (someone).
4. To celebrate or worship; specifically, to offer an oblation which is not a sacrificial blót (“ceremonial offering”).
5. (chiefly UK, dialectal, or poetic) Often followed by of: glad, well-pleased.
6. (obsolete, except in fair and fain) Favourable, well-disposed.
7. (obsolete) Accustomed, apt, wont.

Example Sentences

[M]y master is quite fain of his company.

[F]ine words to make foolish maidens fain. But do not excuse it; it is your country-fashion, and we know how to treat it as such.

Then mean I, that I should be wonderous fain / That shamefully they one and all were slain, / Whoever against Love mean aught amiss.

And fain and full was my heart, and I took him to my breast, / And I cherished him soft and warm, for I deemed I had gotten the best.

Word Forms

• faine
• fainer
• fainest
• fains
• faining
• fained
• fainedst
• faineth

Synonyms for fain

Depending on context, synonyms include disposed, keen, lief, raring, beatify, enrapture.

Antonyms for fain

Common opposites include averse, disinclined, loath, reluctant, unwilling, unwillingly.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include willing, disposed, volitionally, willingly, prepared, inclined.

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