fain

[ feyn ]

adverb

1. gladly; willingly:

   He fain would accept.

adjective

1. willing:

   They were fain to go.

2. Archaic. constrained; obliged:

   He was fain to obey his Lord.

3. Archaic. glad; pleased.
4. Archaic. desirous; eager.

fain

/ feɪn /

adverb

1. archaic.
   usually with would willingly; gladly

   she would fain be dead

adjective

1. obsolete.
   1. willing or eager
   2. compelled

Word History and Origins

Origin of fain¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English fæg(e)n; cognate with Old Norse feginn “happy”; akin to fair ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fain¹

Old English fægen; related to Old Norse fegiun happy, Old High German gifehan to be glad, Gothic fahehs joy; see fawn ²

Example Sentences

In vain the kindly call: in vain The plate for which thou once wast fain At morn and noon and daylight’s wane, O King of mousers.

From Seattle Times

“Ah, good my lords, what a nose is his! When one sees it, one is fain to cry aloud, ‘Nay! ’tis too much!’”

From New York Times

I would fain exercise some better faculty than that of fierce speaking; fain find nourishment for some less fiendish feeling than that of sombre indignation.

From Literature

But there are many Smatterers and ignorant Fellows, that would fain reconcile the ancient Writers, and excuse these lyes; not seeing what damage they bring to the Common-wealth of Learning.

From Literature

“I would fain ask the reader,” Carey demanded, “is this the language of an enemy? Does this deserve railing or reproach? Is it honorable for Jones and Allen to repay evil for good?”

From Literature