Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tepidity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒก๏ธ
Add to dictionary

tepidity

[tษ›หˆpษชdษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

temperature state

Tepidity refers to the quality of being moderately warm or lukewarm, often used to describe liquids or environments. It is a state that is less than hot but more than cold, indicating a mild warmth that can be pleasant. The term might be used in cooking to describe the ideal water temperature for activating yeast. Tepidity is not typically associated with extremes and suggests comfort in warmth without discomfort. In a broader sense, it can also refer to a lack of enthusiasm or vigor in actions or situations.

Synonyms

lukewarmness, moderate warmth, tepidness.

Examples of usage

  • The tepidity of the bathwater was just right for relaxation.
  • She preferred the tepidity of a lukewarm drink over hot coffee.
  • The tepidity of the air on a spring evening felt refreshing.
  • He was criticized for his tepidity towards social issues.

Translations

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

Origin of 'tepidity'

The word 'tepidity' comes from the Latin term 'tepidus', which means 'lukewarm'. This Latin word is derived from 'tepeo', meaning 'to be warm'. The transition from Latin to English occurred during the Middle Ages, particularly as scholars began to integrate Latin vocabulary into English discourse. Tepidity originally entered the English language in the 15th century, stemming from the desire for a term that accurately described a state of temperate warmth. The use of 'tepidity' expanded over time from strictly describing temperatures to encompass metaphorical uses relating to emotional responses or attitudes, thus reflecting a wider range of meanings. Today, 'tepidity' captures both physical and abstract connotations, showing how language evolves and adapts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,719, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.