wan
Comparative
waner
Superlative
wanest
1
pale or sickly, typically due to fear, illness, or exhaustion
- Her wan complexion was a clear sign that she had been feeling unwell for days.
- Despite the cheerful surroundings, his wan skin made it clear he was battling a fever.
- The prolonged illness had given his face a wan look, devoid of its usual vitality.
- The patient’s wan face indicated that the treatments were taking a toll on his health.
- His wan expression was the result of a long night without sleep.
2
weakly and feeble, often used to describe light that is dim or faint
- The wan light of the early morning barely illuminated the room.
- As the day progressed, the sun's rays grew wan, casting a muted glow over the landscape.
- The lantern's wan flame flickered weakly in the dark, providing little illumination.
- Her wan expression seemed to reflect the dim, fading light of the overcast sky.
- The old, wan streetlights struggled to penetrate the thick fog that blanketed the city.
3
(of a smile) unenthusiastic in expression
- She gave a wan smile, clearly too tired to engage.
- His wan smile barely masked his disappointment.
- With a wan smile, he nodded and said nothing.
- He forced a wan smile, trying to appear polite.