Tepid - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word β€’ Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

"Tepid" means moderately warm; lukewarm. 🌑️ Think of a cup of tea that's been sitting out for too long – not hot, not cold, just…blah. It can also describe a lack of enthusiasm or interest. It's like when you get a "meh" reaction to a joke you thought was hilarious. "Tepid" suggests a lack of intensity. It's different from cold because it implies there was some warmth initially, but it faded.

Etymology

"Tepid" comes from the Latin word "tepidus," meaning "lukewarm." The root relates to warmth and a moderate temperature. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe both literal temperatures and figurative feelings. The word's consistency in meaning over time reflects its straightforward and easily understood concept.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The soup was tepid, so I sent it back to the kitchen."
  • "Her tepid response to the good news was disappointing."
  • "The audience gave a tepid applause after the performance."
  • "His tepid interest in the project made it difficult to get him involved."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine your friend is trying to convince you to watch a new series on Netflix, but their description is completely uninspired. They say, 'It's…okay, I guess. Some people like it.' Their tepid recommendation doesn't exactly make you rush to binge-watch it. It's like they're trying to sell you something they themselves aren't excited about. That lukewarm attitude kills all the hype!

Encouragement

Try to avoid being tepid in your passions! πŸ”₯ Find things that truly excite you and pursue them with energy. Even if you can't always be super enthusiastic, try to show some genuine interest in what you do. It makes a difference! πŸš€

πŸš€ Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

βœ… Daily word delivery βœ… Etymology & examples βœ… Interactive learning βœ… 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
πŸ“± Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial