Lukewarm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lukewarm
[ˈluːkˌwɔrm ]
Definition
temperature description
Lukewarm refers to a temperature that is moderately warm, neither hot nor cold. It is often used to describe liquids, such as water or coffee, that are tepid. In a broader sense, it can also refer to attitudes or reactions that are only mildly enthusiastic or passionate. Lukewarm is commonly associated with a lack of excitement or fervor in various contexts.
Synonyms
mild, moderate, tepid, warmish.
Examples of usage
- She took a sip of her lukewarm tea.
- The kids complained about the lukewarm bath water.
- His lukewarm response to the proposal surprised everyone.
- We decided to leave the party early because of the lukewarm atmosphere.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The ideal temperature for brewing tea often falls into the lukewarm category, providing better flavor than very hot or cold water.
- Lukewarm water serves as the optimal temperature for activating yeast in baking, crucial for making bread rise.
- In biology, 'lukewarm' environments can influence the activity levels of certain organisms, affecting their metabolic processes.
Pop Culture
- The term 'lukewarm' is often used in music and movies to describe softened feelings or tepid enthusiasm, indicating indifference.
- Many recipes reference 'lukewarm' water or milk, showing its significance in culinary arts for temperature-sensitive ingredients.
- Lukewarm reviews often suggest that a movie or book is passable but not exceptional, impacting its appeal and box office success.
Psychology
- In social contexts, being lukewarm can refer to a person's level of interest or excitement, indicating it's less than enthusiastic.
- Studies have found that lukewarm emotions in relationships can signal a need for deeper connection or adjustments.
- The 'lukewarm' approach in communication can lead to misunderstandings, as it may be perceived as lacking commitment or passion.
Literature
- In literature, characters described as 'lukewarm' often exhibit ambivalence or lack of motivation, reflecting deeper themes of human experience.
- Lukewarm descriptions in poetry can evoke a sense of mediocrity or complacency, allowing readers to explore themes of passion or indifference.
- Classic novels often use 'lukewarm' settings to symbolize stagnation or a lack of progress in a character's journey.
Origin of 'lukewarm'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'lukewarm' comes from the Old English word 'lūcold,' meaning 'tepid' or 'slightly warm'.
- It was first used in the 14th century, often to describe water that was neither hot nor cold.
- The 'luke' part of 'lukewarm' is sometimes mistaken for 'Luke,' but it simply means 'warm' in a gentle way.
The word 'lukewarm' comes from the Middle English word 'lukewarme', which itself is a combination of the word 'lew' (meaning gentle or mild) and 'warm'. The term traces its origins back to the Old English 'leow', which means 'warm'. Over time, 'lukewarm' has evolved to consistently denote a state of moderate warmth, especially in reference to liquids. The use of 'lukewarm' has broadened over time to include metaphorical uses, particularly in describing emotions or attitudes that are uninspired or only slightly enthusiastic. Its first recorded use dates back to the 14th century, and it has maintained its relevance in both everyday language and more formal writings.