What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
faint
Example
I heard a faint whisper in the distance. [faint: adjective]
Example
The painting had a faint outline of a figure in the background. [faint: adjective]
Example
She felt faint after standing up too quickly. [faint: adjective]
indistinct
Example
The writing was indistinct and hard to read. [indistinct: adjective]
Example
The figure in the fog was indistinct and hard to make out. [indistinct: adjective]
Example
Her recollection of the event was indistinct and hazy. [indistinct: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indistinct is less common than faint in everyday language. Faint is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while indistinct is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between faint and indistinct?
Both faint and indistinct are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
