Languid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
languid
[หlรฆลษกwษชd ]
Definitions
feeling
lacking in vigor or vitality; slack or slow
Synonyms
apathetic, lethargic, listless, sluggish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| languid |
Used to describe someone who appears relaxed and unhurried, often with a sense of grace or ease. It implies a pleasant, dream-like state.
|
| lethargic |
Used to describe someone who is extremely tired or sluggish, often to the point of being inactive. It suggests a lack of energy or motivation.
|
| listless |
Used when someone lacks energy or enthusiasm and appears indifferent or inattentive. Often used in a more passive context.
|
| sluggish |
Used to describe someone or something that is moving slowly or lacking in energy. It often implies slowness and a lack of responsiveness.
|
| apathetic |
Used when someone shows a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It has a more negative connotation compared to other words in the group.
|
Examples of usage
- She gave a languid wave of the hand.
- He spoke in a slow, languid tone.
- The heat made her feel languid and tired.
- The cat lay on the windowsill with a languid stretch.
- I felt too languid to go out in the hot weather.
appearance
displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed
Synonyms
effortless, indolent, lackadaisical, lazy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| languid |
Used to describe someone or something that moves slowly and without energy, often giving an impression of relaxed or serene calmness, sometimes due to heat or fatigue.
|
| lazy |
A common and direct way to describe someone who is unwilling to work or make an effort, often carrying a negative connotation of shirking responsibilities.
|
| indolent |
Indicates a tendency to avoid work or activity, often in a negative or critical sense, implying laziness or lack of motivation.
|
| lackadaisical |
Describes a person or their behavior as lacking enthusiasm and determination, often perceived as careless or uninspired, usually in a negative light.
|
| effortless |
Describes an action performed with ease or without any apparent difficulty, usually in a positive sense, indicating skill or natural ability.
|
Examples of usage
- Her languid movements suggested she was tired.
- The dog lifted its head with a languid look.
- The scene was described with languid elegance.
- The dancer's languid pose captivated the audience.
- He lounged in a languid manner on the sofa.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In romantic poetry, the term often describes a dreamy state of mind or physical weakness that complements emotional turbulence.
- Famous works, such as those by Keats and Poe, evoke languid feelings in their descriptions of love and melancholy.
- Languid characters often symbolize beauty, fragility, and the impermanence of life in novels.
Psychology
- Feeling languid can relate to mental fatigue, where a person feels both physically tired and emotionally drained.
- Relaxation techniques can combat languor, promoting a sense of renewed energy and alertness.
- Certain disorders, such as depression, may cause individuals to experience prolonged languid states.
Cultural References
- Languid movements are often celebrated in dance, where fluidity and grace showcase a relaxed style.
- In art, languid poses are employed to emphasize beauty and vulnerability, often found in Romantic or Baroque paintings.
- The term has been used in music to create a sense of slow, atmospheric melodies that evoke a restful state.
Origin of 'languid'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'languidus,' meaning 'faint' or 'weak,' which relates to a sense of tiredness.
- In English, it started being used around the 1600s, capturing the idea of a slackened state.
- Its root also gives rise to related words like 'languor,' emphasizing a soft, weak feeling.
The word 'languid' originated from the Latin word 'languidus', which means faint or weak. It entered the English language in the late 16th century with the same meaning of lacking vitality or energy. Over time, 'languid' has come to be associated with a sense of laziness or sluggishness, both in physical and emotional contexts.