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tepid

adjective

/ˈtɛpɪd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tepid

Lukewarm, lacking in enthusiasm, or showing only mild interest or passion.
"The tepid support from the community made it difficult to get the project off the ground."

Detailed meaning of tepid

When we characterize something as tepid, we emphasize its moderate or subdued nature, suggesting that it falls short of being truly warm, fervent, or exciting. Tepid water, for example, is neither hot nor cold but rather pleasantly neutral in temperature. Similarly, a tepid response or reception reflects a lack of enthusiasm or passion, indicating a muted or indifferent reaction. This term conveys a sense of mildness and a lack of intensity or commitment, making it synonymous with a lukewarm or lackluster attitude. "Tepid" is often used to describe reactions, emotions, or efforts that lack the fire and fervor typically associated with more passionate or enthusiastic responses.

Example sentences containing tepid

1. His response to the proposal was tepid, showing little enthusiasm or support for the idea.
2. The tea had grown tepid after sitting on the counter for too long, losing its warmth.
3. The reception to the new policy was tepid at best, with employees expressing doubts.
4. Their applause was tepid, reflecting a lack of enthusiasm for the performance.
5. The movie received a tepid review from critics, who found it uninspiring.
6. Her interest in the topic was tepid, lacking the passion needed for meaningful research.

History and etymology of tepid

The adjective 'tepid' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'tepidus,' which means 'moderately warm' or 'lukewarm.' This Latin term is related to 'tepere,' which conveys the idea of mild warmth. Over time, 'tepid' evolved to describe not only the temperature of a liquid but also the enthusiasm or passion of a person. When used to characterize a person's attitude or interest, it suggests a lukewarm or indifferent disposition, lacking the fervor or intensity associated with strong enthusiasm. Thus, the etymology of 'tepid' highlights its dual usage to describe something moderately warm and also to convey a lack of enthusiasm or passion, akin to the mild warmth of tepid water.

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Further usage examples of tepid

1. The room's temperature was uncomfortably tepid, leaving everyone feeling slightly chilly.
2. The sales figures showed a tepid increase, falling short of expectations.
3. His compliments felt tepid and insincere, leaving her unimpressed.
4. The crowd's reaction to the speech was tepid, lacking the energy and applause the speaker had hoped for.
5. The feedback on the project was tepid, with few positive comments or suggestions for improvement.
6. The coffee had turned tepid in the open cup, losing its delicious warmth.
7. Their support for the candidate was tepid, without the fervor seen in previous campaigns.
8. The applause was tepid, indicating a lukewarm reception of the artist's work.
9. The response to the event was tepid, with low attendance and minimal excitement.
10. Her enthusiasm for the project was tepid, not wholehearted or genuinely excited.
11. The soup was served tepid, rather than piping hot as expected, disappointing diners.
12. The reviews for the restaurant were tepid, with mixed opinions about the food and service.
13. His apology came across as tepid and insincere, failing to address the issue adequately.
14. The market's reaction to the product launch was tepid, lacking the buzz and sales anticipated.
15. The crowd's cheers were tepid, showing only mild support for the team's efforts.
16. The team's performance was tepid, failing to meet the high expectations set by fans.
17. The enthusiasm for the charity event was tepid this year, resulting in lower donations.
18. The public's interest in the topic remained tepid, despite extensive media coverage.
19. The reception to the art exhibition was tepid, with few attendees showing genuine interest.
20. Her feelings toward the proposal were tepid, with reservations about its feasibility.
21. The audience's response to the comedian's jokes was tepid, with few laughs or smiles.
22. The water in the pool felt tepid under the scorching afternoon sun, offering little relief from the heat.
23. The approval ratings for the leader remained tepid, with a significant portion of the population expressing dissatisfaction.
24. His love for the hobby had grown tepid over the years, with diminished passion and dedication.