Meaning of Word
Lame can describe something that is physically weak or impaired, typically referring to a person or animal with a disability, especially in the legs. It can also be used informally to describe something that is unconvincing, unoriginal, or weak in a figurative sense.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Physically impaired – Describing someone or something that has difficulty moving due to an injury or disability, especially in the legs.
- Unconvincing or weak – Used informally to describe an argument, excuse, or explanation that is not persuasive or compelling.
- Flimsy or inadequate – Referring to something that lacks strength or substance, like a weak excuse or plan.
- Uninspired or dull – Often used to describe something that is not exciting or impressive, such as a performance or idea.
History and Origin
The word “lame” comes from the Old English word “lam,” meaning weak, disabled, or crippled. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe physical weakness, especially in relation to movement. Over time, it developed additional meanings, extending from physical impairment to a more figurative use in describing weakness or lack of quality in various contexts.
Detailed Explanation
Lame has both physical and figurative meanings:
- Physical meaning: Refers to a person, animal, or even an object (like a vehicle) that is impaired or unable to function at full capacity, especially in terms of movement. For example, a “lame horse” would be one that has difficulty walking due to injury or illness.
- Figurative meaning: Describes something that lacks strength, conviction, or excitement. It is often used to criticize arguments, excuses, or ideas that are weak or unpersuasive. For instance, a “lame excuse” refers to an unconvincing or insufficient reason for not doing something.
The term is often used negatively to suggest that something is subpar or unremarkable, particularly in informal speech.
Example Sentences
- The injured athlete had a lame leg and couldn’t finish the race.
- His excuse for being late was pretty lame, and no one believed him.
- The movie had a great concept, but the execution was lame.
- She tried to come up with a lame excuse for missing the meeting.
- The old car had a lame engine and could barely make it up the hill.
- That was a lame attempt at humor, no one laughed.
- His argument sounded lame because it lacked real evidence.
- After the fall, the dog had a lame paw and needed rest.
- The presentation was lame, and the audience quickly lost interest.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Crippled – Referring to a physical disability or impairment, similar to lame when describing someone’s movement.
- Weak – Lacking strength or effectiveness, similar to a “lame” excuse or argument.
- Feeble – Lacking strength or force, especially in terms of an argument or excuse.
- Ineffective – Lacking the ability to produce a desired result, like a lame plan or solution.
- Unimpressive – Not having a significant impact, much like something that is considered “lame.”
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Incapacitated – Unable to perform tasks due to injury or illness, similar to being lame in a physical sense.
- Impaired – Having diminished function, often used to describe something or someone physically weak or lame.
- Disabled – Lacking the ability to function fully, similar to being lame, especially regarding mobility.
- Unconvincing – Something that fails to persuade, related to “lame” when describing excuses or arguments.
- Mediocre – Average or unremarkable, which can be used similarly to describe something as lame in quality.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Lame duck – A person or entity that is ineffective or powerless, often used in politics.
- Lame excuse – An explanation that is not convincing or insufficient.
- Lame attempt – A weak or unsuccessful try at something, often used humorously.
- Lame response – A reply or answer that is inadequate or unconvincing.
- Lame performance – A lackluster or disappointing display, typically used in the context of entertainment.
Antonyms
- Strong – Having physical or mental power, the opposite of lame.
- Effective – Producing the desired result, the opposite of a lame excuse or argument.
- Impressive – Making a strong impact, the opposite of lame when describing something underwhelming.
- Convincing – Able to persuade or make something believable, the opposite of lame when used in the context of arguments.
- Vigorous – Full of energy and strength, the opposite of being lame physically or metaphorically.
