Learn about the difference between the homophones: fain, fane and feign

Definitions

fain

Fain is an archaic adverb that means 'gladly' or 'willingly'.

Example

I would fain go with you to the party.

Example

He was fain to help his friend in need.

fane

Fane is a noun that refers to a temple or a shrine, especially one dedicated to a particular deity or saint.

Example

The fane was built in honor of the goddess Athena.

Example

The pilgrims visited the fane to offer their prayers.

feign

Feign is a verb that means to pretend or to fake something.

Example

He feigned interest in her stories.

Example

She feigned illness to avoid going to school.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

To remember the difference between these words, associate fain with 'gladly' or 'willingly', fane with 'temple' or 'shrine', and feign with 'pretend' or 'fake'.