weak

Everyday

1. Weak means not strong; not having much power or energy in your body. tree →
2. Weak means easy to break or damage. tree →
3. Weak describes a drink or liquid that has a lot of water and not much taste, like weak tea. tree →
4. Weak means not good at something, like a weak point. tree →
5. A weak signal, light or sound is faint. tree →

In the lessons

In science, a weak force pushes or pulls only a little; a weak magnet attracts only from close by; weak bones need calcium; a weak acid is less harmful. After illness people feel weak. In maths, a «weak» student is not a nice phrase; say «needs more practice». In stories, the weak are often protected by heroes. Phrases: «feel weak», «weak spot», «weak point», «weak at the knees», «grow weak».

Examples

• I felt weak after being ill. tree →
• The bridge was too weak to hold the truck. tree →
• This tea is too weak. tree →
• My weak spot is spelling. tree →
• The Wi-Fi signal is weak in the garden. tree →
• A weak magnet can only pick up one paper clip. tree →
• The baby bird was weak and couldn't fly. tree →
• Exercise makes weak muscles stronger. tree →
• The poor Dog was so weak he could not stand. tree →

Note

Comparative weaker, superlative weakest. Noun: weakness; verb: weaken. Opposite: strong. Homophone: «week» (seven days). Trick: «weak» has «a» like «arm» — not strong arms.

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah, "strong and weak" is one of the pairs of opposites tied to the letters. In the Prophets and Proverbs the "weak hands" are people who are discouraged or powerless, and they are to be strengthened and not robbed.

Interpretation. Leah's weak eyes are often explained as red from weeping, because she feared she would have to marry Esau. Isaiah's call to strengthen weak hands is read as a duty to comfort and help the downhearted and poor.

Examples

• And Leah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was of beautiful form and fair to look upon. (Torah GEN.29.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• and see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many; (Torah NUM.13.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• A soft and hard structure, a strong and weak structure. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Strengthen ye the weak hands, and make firm the tottering knees. (Prophets ISA.35.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. (Writings JOB.4.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Rob not the weak, because he is weak, neither crush the poor in the gate; (Writings PRO.22.22, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparative weaker, superlative weakest. Noun: weakness; verb: weaken. Opposite: strong. Homophone: «week» (seven days). Trick: «weak» has «a» like «arm» — not strong arms.