Fain
adverb
Happy to do something or that something happened.
I would fain improve my English.
Often appears as...
- would fain
- fain do
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adjective
Wanting something very much.
He was fain to leave his hometown and travel the world.
Often appears as...
- fain leave
- fain go
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adverb
Happy to do something or that something happened.
I would fain improve my English.
Often appears as...
- would fain
- fain do
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adjective
Wanting something very much.
He was fain to leave his hometown and travel the world.
Often appears as...
- fain leave
- fain go
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Old-fashioned
Remember, 'fain' is rarely used in everyday conversation and is often associated with historical or fantasy settings.
In medieval tales, knights would fain embark on quests for honor and glory.
Pro Tip 2/3Emphasizes Delight
'Fain' expresses not just willingness, but a sense of pleasure or happiness about doing something.
She would fain join the festive dance in the village square.
Pro Tip 3/3Poetic Tone
Using 'fain' adds a poetic or romantic touch to the language, suitable for literature or poetry.
He would fain write her a sonnet filled with loving words.
Pro Tip 1/3Old-fashioned
Remember, 'fain' is rarely used in everyday conversation and is often associated with historical or fantasy settings.
In medieval tales, knights would fain embark on quests for honor and glory.
Pro Tip 2/3Emphasizes Delight
'Fain' expresses not just willingness, but a sense of pleasure or happiness about doing something.
She would fain join the festive dance in the village square.
Pro Tip 3/3Poetic Tone
Using 'fain' adds a poetic or romantic touch to the language, suitable for literature or poetry.
He would fain write her a sonnet filled with loving words.
Pro Tip 1/3Old-fashioned
Remember, 'fain' is rarely used in everyday conversation and is often associated with historical or fantasy settings.
In medieval tales, knights would fain embark on quests for honor and glory.
Pro Tip 2/3Emphasizes Delight
'Fain' expresses not just willingness, but a sense of pleasure or happiness about doing something.
She would fain join the festive dance in the village square.
Pro Tip 3/3Poetic Tone
Using 'fain' adds a poetic or romantic touch to the language, suitable for literature or poetry.
He would fain write her a sonnet filled with loving words.
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Video examples
Safari Live - Day 292 PIPE...
still suckling for those of you who are not familiar with these liens if you have perhaps just joined us I'm and fain would be very happy to welcome you if you have just joined us and being loved lovely to know if you are watching for
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 292 PIPE...
still suckling for those of you who are not familiar with these liens if you have perhaps just joined us I'm and fain would be very happy to welcome you if you have just joined us and being loved lovely to know if you are watching for
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Henri Bergson
French Philosopher
In its entirety, probably, it follows us at every instant; all that we have felt, thought and willed from our earliest infancy is there, leaning over the present which is about to join it, pressing against the portals of consciousness that would fain leave it outside.
Quote examples
Hiram Rhodes Revels
American Politician
The Republican party is not inflamed, as some would fain have the country believe, against the South. Its borders are wide enough for all truly loyal men to find within them peace and repose from the din and discord of angry faction.
Quote examples
Richard Wagner
German Composer
Here, everything is tragic through and through, and the will, that fain would shape a world according to its wish, at last can reach no greater satisfaction than the breaking of itself in dignified annulment.
Quote examples
Henry David Thoreau
American Author
In my afternoon walk I would fain forget all my morning occupations and my obligations to society.
Quote examples
Joseph Addison
English Writer
We are always doing something for posterity, but I would fain see posterity do something for us.
Quote examples
Plato
Greek Philosopher
I would fain grow old learning many things.
Quote examples
Walter Raleigh
English Explorer
Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall.
Quote examples
Henri Bergson
French Philosopher
In its entirety, probably, it follows us at every instant; all that we have felt, thought and willed from our earliest infancy is there, leaning over the present which is about to join it, pressing against the portals of consciousness that would fain leave it outside.
Quote examples
Hiram Rhodes Revels
American Politician
The Republican party is not inflamed, as some would fain have the country believe, against the South. Its borders are wide enough for all truly loyal men to find within them peace and repose from the din and discord of angry faction.
Quote examples
Richard Wagner
German Composer
Here, everything is tragic through and through, and the will, that fain would shape a world according to its wish, at last can reach no greater satisfaction than the breaking of itself in dignified annulment.
Quote examples
Henry David Thoreau
American Author
In my afternoon walk I would fain forget all my morning occupations and my obligations to society.
Quote examples
Joseph Addison
English Writer
We are always doing something for posterity, but I would fain see posterity do something for us.
Quote examples
Plato
Greek Philosopher
I would fain grow old learning many things.
Quote examples
Walter Raleigh
English Explorer
Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall.
Example 1 of 7
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