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Lukewarmness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lukewarmness

[หˆluหkหŒwษ”หrmnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

temperature state

Lukewarmness refers to a moderate warmth that is neither hot nor cold. It is often used to describe a temperature that is slightly above room temperature but not warm enough to be considered hot.

Synonyms

moderateness, tepidness, warmth.

Examples of usage

  • The tea was left out too long and became lukewarm.
  • He prefers his bathwater to be at a lukewarm temperature.
  • After heating, the soup should not be lukewarm before serving.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotions can be likened to lukewarmness; feeling lukewarm about something might reflect indifference or lack of enthusiasm.
  • In motivation theories, lukewarmness can indicate a lack of intrinsic motivation to engage in a task or behavior, often leading to procrastination.

Literature

  • In many classic literary works, lukewarmness is used as a metaphor for characters who are passive or indecisive, lacking the courage to take a stand.
  • Authors often criticize lukewarmness in society, portraying it as a barrier to social progress or personal growth.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, lukewarm water is crucial for activating yeast in baking, indicating how essential temperature balance is in food preparation.
  • Beverages like coffee or tea that are served lukewarm often fail to provide the intended flavor experience, which relies on optimal temperature.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'lukewarm reception' is often used in reviews and media to describe a show or movie that fails to impress audiences.
  • In music, lukewarmness can be reflected in songs that blend genres but don't strongly commit to any, often resulting in mixed reviews.

Origin of 'lukewarmness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'lukewarm' comes from the Old English 'lลซcwarm', meaning slightly warm, combining 'lลซce' (meaning 'tepid') and 'warm'.
  • Historically, โ€˜lukewarmโ€™ was often used to describe water, particularly in religious texts, to illustrate a lack of passion or commitment.

The word 'lukewarm' originates from the Old English word 'luccan', which means to warm. The 'warm' part of the word is straightforward, relating to the condition of being at a higher temperature. The combination of 'luke' and 'warm' conveys a sense of slight warmth. Historically, 'lukewarm' has also been associated with indifference or lack of enthusiasm, reflecting a metaphorical quality that is neither passionate nor cold. This figurative sense of the word emerged in English literature, particularly during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and has since been popularized in both everyday speech and literature.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,167, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.