Langimage
English

lame

|lame|

B2

/leɪm/

weak or ineffective

Etymology
Etymology Information

'lame' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lama', where 'lama' meant 'crippled or weak'.

Historical Evolution

'lama' changed from the Old English word 'lama' and eventually became the modern English word 'lame'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'crippled or weak', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'unable to walk properly' and 'unconvincing or ineffectual'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

unable to walk properly due to an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot.

The horse went lame after the race.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

(Informal) Unconvincing or ineffectual; weak.

His excuse for being late was pretty lame.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/13 14:28