c. 1300, "dispiritedly, timidly, half-heartedly;" early 14c. "feebly, wearily, without vigor;" from faint (adj.) + -ly (2). Meaning "indistinctly" is from 1580s. Also in Middle English, "deceitfully, hypocritically, falsely" (mid-14c.).
双语例句
1. He was already asleep in the bed, which smelled faintly of mildew.
他已经在略带霉味的床上睡着了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. From the slope below, the wild goats bleated faintly.
山坡下面，野山羊咩咩地轻声叫着。
来自柯林斯例句
3. John smiled faintly and shook his head.
约翰微微笑了笑，摇了摇头。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The still air smelt faintly of furniture polish.
