Can I use 'feasance' by itself in a sentence?

No, it is not standard modern usage. It functions only as a root in the established legal compounds 'malfeasance', 'misfeasance', and 'nonfeasance'.

What is the difference between 'malfeasance' and 'misfeasance'?

'Malfeasance' is the commission of an unlawful act (doing something you shouldn't). 'Misfeasance' is the improper performance of a *lawful* act (doing something you're allowed to do, but doing it wrongly).

Where does the word 'feasance' come from?

It originates from Anglo-French, ultimately from Old French 'faisance' (meaning 'doing, making'), from Latin 'facere' (to do, to make).

Is 'feasance' related to 'feasible'?

Yes, distantly. Both derive from the Latin root 'facere' (to do). 'Feasible' means 'able to be done', while 'feasance' is 'the doing' of something, specifically a duty.

feasance

Very Low Frequency

UK/ˈfiːz(ə)ns/US/ˈfiːzəns/

Formal, Legal, Technical

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

The performance or carrying out of an obligation, duty, or function, especially as specified by law or contract.

A formal, often legal, term for the act of fulfilling a duty or executing an office. It is almost exclusively used within compound words like 'malfeasance', 'misfeasance', and 'nonfeasance' to describe wrongful performance, improper performance, or failure to perform a duty, respectively.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

"Feasance" is a bound morpheme in Modern English. It is almost never used in isolation in contemporary language. Its meaning is only activated within specific, established legal/bureaucratic compounds, functioning as the nominal root for actions related to duty.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or use. It is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.

Connotations

Solely legal/bureaucratic; carries connotations of official duty, obligation, and formal procedure.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in both. Any usage is confined to legal, governmental, or corporate compliance contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

malfeasancemisfeasancenonfeasance

medium

act of feasanceduty of feasance

weak

corporate feasancepublic feasanceofficial feasance

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Non/mal/mis]feasance + of + duty/office/obligation

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

fulfilment (of duty)carrying out

Neutral

performanceexecutiondischarge

Weak

implementationconduct

Vocabulary

Antonyms

nonperformanceneglectderelictionomission

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[None. It does not feature in idioms.]”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Virtually unused, except potentially in discussions of corporate governance, liability, or director's duties under the umbrella terms malfeasance/misfeasance.

Academic

Used almost exclusively in Law and Political Science departments when analysing official misconduct or negligence.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Core term in legal terminology within the specific tripartite framework of wrongful acts by officials: malfeasance (wrongful act), misfeasance (lawful act done wrongly), nonfeasance (failure to act).

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

[No standalone verb. The related verb is 'to perform' or 'to execute'.]

American English

[No standalone verb. The related verb is 'to perform' or 'to execute'.]

adverb

British English

[No adverb.]

American English

[No adverb.]

adjective

British English

[No direct adjective. 'Feasant' is obsolete.]

American English

[No direct adjective. 'Feasant' is obsolete.]

Examples

By CEFR Level

[This word is not suitable for A2 level.]

[This word is not typically introduced at B1 level.]

The lawyer explained the difference between *malfeasance* and *nonfeasance* to the jury.
Company directors can be liable for *misfeasance* if they misuse their powers.

The inquiry focused on whether the official's actions constituted *malfeasance* in public office, rather than simple *nonfeasance*.
The legal doctrine distinguishes carefully between *misfeasance*, *malfeasance*, and *nonfeasance*, each with different tests for liability.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: "FEA-SANCE" sounds like "FEE for a performance." You pay a fee for the *performance* (feasance) of a service. It's about *doing* what is required.

Conceptual Metaphor

PERFORMANCE IS THE FULFILMENT OF A CONTRACTUAL PATH. (The duty is a path or course to be run/completed.)

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with "фасад" (facade).
The Russian legal concept "злоупотребление должностными полномочиями" is closer to "malfeasance," not "feasance" alone.
Avoid direct translation; it is a component, not a standalone word.

Common Mistakes

Using "feasance" as a standalone word in general writing.
Confusing "malfeasance" (evil-doing) with "misfeasance" (lawful act done improperly).
Misspelling as "feasence" or "feazance".

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The mayor was accused of or incompetence. (Hint: use the three common compounds of 'feasance')

Multiple Choice

In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'feasance' (in one of its compound forms)?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is not standard modern usage. It functions only as a root in the established legal compounds 'malfeasance', 'misfeasance', and 'nonfeasance'.
: 'Malfeasance' is the commission of an unlawful act (doing something you shouldn't). 'Misfeasance' is the improper performance of a *lawful* act (doing something you're allowed to do, but doing it wrongly).
: It originates from Anglo-French, ultimately from Old French 'faisance' (meaning 'doing, making'), from Latin 'facere' (to do, to make).
: Yes, distantly. Both derive from the Latin root 'facere' (to do). 'Feasible' means 'able to be done', while 'feasance' is 'the doing' of something, specifically a duty.