First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
tepid
adjective tep·id \ˈte-pəd\
: not hot and not cold
: not energetic or excited
Full Definition of TEPID
1
: moderately warm : lukewarm <a tepid bath>
2
a : lacking in passion, force, or zest <tepid poetry> b : marked by an absence of enthusiasm or conviction <a tepid interest> <a tepid response>
— te·pid·i·ty \tə-ˈpi-də-tē, te-\ noun
— tep·id·ly \ˈte-pəd-lē\ adverb
— tep·id·ness noun
See tepid defined for English-language learners
See tepid defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TEPID
Middle English teped, from Latin tepidus, from tepēre to be moderately warm; akin to Sanskrit tapati it heats, Old Irish tess heat
Related to TEPID
- Synonyms
- halfhearted, lukewarm, uneager, unenthusiastic
- Antonyms
- eager, enthusiastic, hearty, keen, passionate, warm, wholehearted
Rhymes with TEPID
TEPIDITY Defined for Kids
tepid
adjective tep·id \ˈte-pəd\
Definition of TEPID for Kids
: lukewarm 1 <tepid water>
Learn More About TEPID
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: tepidariumPrevious Word in the Dictionary: tephrosinAll Words Near: tepid
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up tepid? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).