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What is the difference between quirk and foible?

quirk | foible |

As nouns the difference between quirk and foible

is that quirk is an idiosyncrasy; a slight glitch, mannerism; something unusual about the manner or style of something or someone while foible is a quirk, idiosyncrasy, or mannerism; unusual habit or way (usage is typically plural), that is slightly strange or silly.

As a verb quirk

is to move with a wry jerk.

As an adjective foible is

weak; feeble.

quirk

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • an idiosyncrasy; a slight glitch, mannerism; something unusual about the manner or style of something or someone
  • The car steers cleanly, but the gearshift has a few quirks .
  • (architecture) An acute angle dividing a molding; a groove that runs lengthwise between the upper part of a moulding and a soffit
  • (archaic) A quibble, evasion, or subterfuge.
  • Derived terms

    * quirky

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (ambitransitive) To move with a wry jerk.
  • He quirked an eyebrow.
    The corners of her mouth quirked .

    foible

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Weak; feeble.
  • (Lord Herbert)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A quirk, idiosyncrasy, or mannerism; unusual habit or way (usage is typically plural), that is slightly strange or silly.
  • Try to look past his foibles and see the friendly fellow underneath.
  • * 1915 ,
  • They made up for the respect with which unconsciously they treated him by laughing at his foibles and lamenting his vices.
  • * 1959 , Meriden Record, " An ounce of prevention", July 24 issue
  • Final fillip in the Vice-President's study has been a boning up]] on Premier Khrushchev's favorite foible , proverbs. The bibulous Russian leader likes to throw out homely [[homily, homilies in his speeches and conversations..
  • (fencing) Part of a sword between the middle and the point, weaker than the forte.
  • A weakness or failing of character.
  • * 1932 , , by William Floyd
  • Jesus is reverenced as the one man who has lived unspotted by the world, free from human foibles , able to redeem mankind by his example.

    Synonyms

    * (a weakness or failing of character) fault