lank

Frequently Asked Questions About lank

How does the adjective lank contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lank are gaunt, lanky, lean, rawboned, scrawny, skinny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When would gaunt be a good substitute for lank?

The synonyms gaunt and lank are sometimes interchangeable, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When could lanky be used to replace lank?

The words lanky and lank can be used in similar contexts, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

In what contexts can lean take the place of lank?

Although the words lean and lank have much in common, lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When is it sensible to use rawboned instead of lank?

In some situations, the words rawboned and lank are roughly equivalent. However, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How are the words scrawny and skinny related as synonyms of lank?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken

skinny street urchins

When can spare be used instead of lank?

While in some cases nearly identical to lank, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure