Tepid
/ˈtɛpɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Tepid describes something that is mildly warm, not hot or cold. It can also describe a reaction or feeling that is not very strong, such as a weak or uninterested response to something.
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See It in Action
Slightly warm temperature, not hot or cold
- •The tepid water was not good for washing dishes.
- •She drank the tepid coffee because it had been sitting too long.
- •The bath felt tepid and did not relax him.
Showing little enthusiasm or interest
- •The audience gave a tepid applause after the speech.
- •His response to the idea was tepid and unexcited.
- •The team's tepid effort led to a poor performance.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'tepid' like 'warm' but much less hot—almost like warm water that is not comfortable but not cold either
- ✓Picture holding a cup of tea that has cooled down so it feels just a little warm, not hot enough to enjoy fully
- ✓It's the feeling when you are not excited or interested, like when someone claps quietly instead of loudly
- ✓Sounds like 'TEP-id' → imagine 'step' but without energy, like taking a slow, lazy step with no excitement
- ✓Remember when you drink tea that is not hot, it feels 'tepid'—not refreshing or warm, just in the middle
- ✓NOT like 'hot' (very warm or passionate), 'tepid' is mild and weak in temperature or feeling
- ✓NOT like 'cold' (no warmth), 'tepid' has some warmth but not enough to be strong or exciting
- ✓NOT like 'enthusiastic' (very excited), 'tepid' is weak or uninterested in emotion or reaction
Try Other Words
- •Lukewarm: slightly warm, often used for liquids or feelings (Use when temperature or interest is mild and not strong)
- •Mild: gentle or not strong in feeling or temperature (Use when describing soft or gentle qualities)
- •Half-hearted: showing little enthusiasm or effort (Use when describing weak or unenthusiastic reactions)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; root 'tepid' from Latin)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'tepidus,' meaning moderately warm
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe moderate warmth, later also used for weak feelings or reactions
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe temperature of liquids or weak emotional reactions like applause or interest
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you gave a tepid reaction to something? Why did you feel that way?
•How does a tepid response affect the person who shares an idea or performance?
Fill in the blanks
1.The tea was ___, so it was not hot enough to enjoy comfortably.
2.When the speaker finished, the audience gave a ___ applause that showed little excitement.
3.Unlike a warm welcome, a tepid greeting makes people feel ___ about the event.
4.The water was ___, not cold enough to shock but not warm enough to relax.
5.She gave a ___ answer because she was not interested in the topic.
6.A tepid reaction often means the idea did not ___ much interest or support.
7.The bath water was ___, so he decided to add hot water to make it warmer.