Idle: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
idle
[ ˈaɪdl ]
state of being inactive
Not active or in use; without purpose or effect; pointless. Showing no activity; lazy.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He spent his days in idle conversation.
- She felt guilty about her idle lifestyle.
- The machine sat idle for months before being repaired.
to spend time doing nothing
To spend time doing nothing or to be not working. To move slowly or aimlessly. To run at a slow speed or out of gear.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Don't idle away your time, make good use of it.
- The engine idled as they waited for the traffic light to change.
- He idled through the park, enjoying the sunshine.
Translations
Translations of the word "idle" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ocioso
🇮🇳 बेकार
🇩🇪 untätig
🇮🇩 menganggur
🇺🇦 бездіяльний
🇵🇱 bezczynny
🇯🇵 アイドル
🇫🇷 inactif
🇪🇸 inactivo
🇹🇷 boş
🇰🇷 게으른
🇸🇦 عاطل
🇨🇿 nečinný
🇸🇰 nečinný
🇨🇳 闲置
🇸🇮 neaktiven
🇮🇸 aðgerðalaus
🇰🇿 қимылсыз
🇬🇪 უდრო
🇦🇿 boş
🇲🇽 inactivo
Word origin
The word 'idle' originated from the Old English word 'īdel', meaning vain, worthless, or useless. It has evolved over time to encompass meanings related to inactivity, laziness, and lack of purpose. The concept of idleness has been explored in various philosophical and literary works, highlighting the importance of productivity and purposeful action.