lukewarm
UK: ˌluːkˈwɔːm | US: ˌluːkˈwɔːrm
adj. moderately warm; tepid
adj. lacking enthusiasm or conviction
The word "lukewarm" combines "luke" (derived from Middle English "leuk," meaning tepid or moderately warm) and "warm" (Old English "wearm," meaning warm). "Luke" itself likely traces back to Old English "hlēow" (tepid) or Dutch "leuk" (weak). Over time, "luke" fell out of standalone use but survived in this compound, emphasizing mildness or indifference—both in temperature and emotion. The pairing reinforces the idea of something neither hot nor cold, a concept later extended metaphorically to describe half-hearted attitudes.
The soup was lukewarm by the time it reached the table.
She gave a lukewarm response to the proposal, neither rejecting nor endorsing it.
His enthusiasm for the project was lukewarm at best.
The bathwater had turned lukewarm after sitting for too long.
Critics praised the film with lukewarm reviews, calling it "unremarkable."