tepid
UK: ˈtɛpɪd | US: ˈtɛpɪd
adj. moderately warm; lukewarm
adj. lacking enthusiasm or energy; halfhearted
tepid = tep<warm> + id<adjective suffix>
- tep<warm>: From Latin tepidus (lukewarm), derived from tepere (to be warm).
- id<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word tepid traces back to Latin tepidus, which describes something mildly warm. The root tepere (to be warm) is distantly related to the Proto-Indo-European tep- (heat), but the spelling and meaning have remained stable in English since the 14th century. The term metaphorically expanded to describe lackluster emotions or efforts, mirroring the unremarkable warmth of lukewarm water.
The soup was tepid by the time it reached the table.
She gave a tepid response to the proposal, neither rejecting nor endorsing it.
The audience’s applause was tepid, reflecting their indifference.
He sipped the tepid coffee with a frown.
Their tepid enthusiasm failed to motivate the team.