What is infirm? Pronunciation and usage in English

infirm means . Learn how to pronounce and use infirm through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of infirm

infirmadjective

/ɪnˈfɜːm//ɪnˈfɜːrm/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "infirm." It can be tricky for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • in - pronounced like the word "in" (as in "in a box")
  • firm - pronounced like the word “firm” (as in a firm handshake)

2. Putting it Together:

The entire word is pronounced as "in-firm"

3. Detailed Pronunciation (with emphasis):

  • in: (ˈɪn) – The stress is on the first syllable. It’s a short, clear "in" sound.
  • firm: (fɜːrm) – This syllable has a slightly longer “r” sound, and the ‘rm’ part is held a bit longer than the ‘in’ part. It's a rounded “r” sound, like you’re making a small circle with your mouth.

4. Tips and Considerations:

  • The “r” sound: Many English speakers (especially those from some European countries) don't pronounce the "r" strongly in words like "firm." However, in "infirm," it’s important to give it a noticeable, but not overly forceful, roll.
  • Stress: The stress is clearly on the first syllable ("in").

Resources for Hearing it:

To help me give you the most accurate pronunciation, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Your native language can influence how you pronounce certain sounds.)

Usage and examples with the word infirm in English

Let's break down how to use the word "infirm" in English. It's a more formal and nuanced word than simply "sick" or "weak." Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning:

  • At a fundamental level, "infirm" means lacking strength or vigor; feeble. It describes a condition that impairs someone's physical or mental capacity. However, it goes beyond just being tired – it suggests a more persistent or underlying issue.

2. Different Ways to Use It:

  • Referring to Physical Weakness: This is the most common usage.

    • "He was admitted to the hospital due to a persistent infirmity in his heart." (Suggests a long-term, problematic medical issue)
    • "Despite her age, she maintained a surprising level of physical infirmity." (Highlights a lingering lack of strength)
    • “The elderly gentleman was struggling with a slight infirmity of movement.”

  • Referring to Mental or Emotional Weakness: “Infirmity” can also describe a lack of mental or emotional fortitude. This is less common than the physical usage.

    • "The dictator's infirmity of character led to his downfall." (Here, it signifies a moral weakness, lack of courage, or lack of integrity.)
    • "The witness's infirmity of memory made his testimony unreliable." (Describes a shaky or weakened recollection.)

  • Describing a Feature of a Place (Historical Context): Historically, “infirm” was sometimes used to describe a place lacking amenities or sanitation - a place considered unhealthy or unpleasant. This usage is very rare today.

    • "The squatters’ camp was rife with infirmities – poor sanitation and disease." (This is an old-fashioned way of describing a miserable, unhealthy settlement.)

3. Key Differences & Nuances:

  • “Weak” vs. “Infirm”: “Weak” is a general term for lacking strength. “Infirm” implies a deeper, more problematic weakness, often with underlying causes or consequences.
  • “Ill” vs. “Infirm”: "Ill" simply means not feeling well. “Infirm” suggests a chronic or persistent condition.
  • “Feeble” vs. “Infirm”: “Feeble” is similar, but "infirm" often carries a sense of something being fundamentally flawed or not operating properly.

4. Grammar & Usage Tips:

  • Noun Usage: "Infirmity" is usually used as a noun (the thing that is infirm). Example: "He suffered from a lifelong infirmity."
  • Adjective Usage: "Infirm" can be an adjective, modifying a noun. Example: "He was an infirm old man."
  • Formal Tone: "Infirm" has a more formal and literary tone. It’s not something you’d typically use in everyday conversation unless you're being deliberately precise.

5. Synonyms (with slightly different connotations):

  • Weak
  • Frail
  • Debilitated
  • Infirm
  • Feeble
  • Vulnerable
  • Impaired

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • Physical: “The boxer's infirmity in his left arm forced him to retire.”
  • Mental: “Her infirmity of will prevented her from following through on her plans.”
  • Historical (Rare): “The settlement presented numerous infirmities to its inhabitants.”

Resources for More Information:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you considering using the word “infirm”? (e.g., writing a story, a medical report, a casual conversation?)

Synonyms for the word infirm

Practice with vocabulary infirm

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The hospital has a specialized wing dedicated to the care of its most ________ patients, who require constant medical attention due to age or chronic illness.
  2. After weeks of recovery from the major surgery, the patient remained quite ________ and needed assistance for basic movements, especially during physical therapy.
  3. Despite feeling quite ________ after the long transatlantic flight, the CEO managed to lead the crucial morning meeting with professional vigor.
  4. The antique vase, due to its delicate structure, was exceedingly ________ and had to be handled with extreme care during its exhibition in the museum.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words best describes someone who is physically weak and often ill, especially due to advanced age? a) Robust b) Vigilant c) Infirm d) Resilient

  2. Select all words that can describe a person whose health or physical strength is significantly compromised. a) Stalwart b) Debilitated c) Infirm d) Robust e) Frail

  3. The company initiated a program to support its employees who are caring for ________ family members, providing flexible work arrangements and access to specialized elder care resources. a) vigorous b) infirm c) influential d) dynamic

  4. A long period of malnutrition can leave an individual feeling profoundly ________ and lacking the energy required for daily activities. a) exhilarated b) enervated c) fortified d) invigorated

  5. The architect designed the new building with innovative materials that were both aesthetically pleasing and structurally ________ against extreme weather conditions. a) flimsy b) robust c) precarious d) weak

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Due to his advanced age and declining health, Mr. Henderson found it increasingly difficult to manage daily tasks independently. Rewrite using "infirm" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The condition of chronic physical weakness profoundly affected the patient's ability to participate in social activities and employment. Rewrite using "infirmity":

  3. Original: After the severe flu, her immune system was greatly weakened, making her highly susceptible to other bacterial and viral infections. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "infirm" or "infirmity"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. infirm
  2. infirm
  3. fatigued
  4. fragile

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Infirm
  2. b) Debilitated, c) Infirm, e) Frail
  3. b) infirm
  4. b) enervated
  5. b) robust

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Due to his advanced age, Mr. Henderson became increasingly infirm, finding it difficult to manage daily tasks independently.
  2. Her chronic infirmity profoundly affected her ability to participate in social activities and employment.
  3. After the severe flu, her immune system was left vulnerable, making her highly susceptible to other bacterial and viral infections.

Comment ()