Library / English Dictionary

FAIN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having made preparations

Example:

prepared to take risks

Synonyms:

disposed; fain; inclined; prepared

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

willing (disposed or inclined toward)

 II. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a willing manner

Example:

I would fain do it

Synonyms:

fain; gladly; lief

Classified under:

Adverbs

Credits

 Context examples: 

My Spring is gone, however, but it has left me that French floweret on my hands, which, in some moods, I would fain be rid of.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I shut him out on the landing to wait for the answer, and went into my chambers again, in such a nervous state that I was fain to lay the letter down on my breakfast table, and familiarize myself with the outside of it a little, before I could resolve to break the seal.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Yet I would fain have had the feather-bed.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I could talk a while when the evening commenced, but the first gush of vivacity and fluency gone, I was fain to sit on a stool at Diana's feet, to rest my head on her knee, and listen alternately to her and Mary, while they sounded thoroughly the topic on which I had but touched.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Alleyne Edricson, I would have a word with you, for I would fain that you should take service under me.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I would fain have spoken to her, but my hand was held by a grasp of iron: I was hurried along by a stride I could hardly follow; and to look at Mr. Rochester's face was to feel that not a second of delay would be tolerated for any purpose.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

We knew your father well, and would fain help his son, though we have small cause to love your brother the Socman, who is forever stirring up strife in the county.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I would fain stay here forever amid all these beautiful things— staring hard at the blushing Tita as he spoke—but we must be back at our lord's hostel ere he reach it.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I would fain that you should tarry at our court, for a time at least, until your hurt is healed and your horses rested.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I would fain have your rede, Sir Oliver, for Master Hawtayne hath fears that when we veer there may come danger from the hole in our side.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)