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Causing one to feel drained of energy or vitality.
synonyms:exhaustingfatiguing
The word 'enervating' comes from the Latin 'enervare', meaning 'to weaken' or 'to remove the sinews of'. The prefix 'e-' means 'out of' or 'from', while 'nervus' means 'sinew' or 'nerve'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
Everyday use, particularly in contexts discussing physical or emotional fatigue.
While not a common word in everyday conversation, it is frequently used in literary and descriptive contexts.
The long meeting was so enervating that I felt like I needed a nap afterward.
After an enervating workout, she collapsed onto the couch, too tired to move.
The enervating heat of the summer sun made it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
The word 'enervating' paints a vivid picture of being drained of energy, much like a battery losing its charge. Its Latin roots remind us of a time when the physical and emotional states were closely tied to the idea of sinews and strength. Although it might not be a staple in everyday conversations, 'enervating' finds its place in literature and discussions about fatigue, making it a perfect addition to your vocabulary when you want to describe that overwhelming sense of exhaustion.