Idle means inactive, unoccupied or lazy — an idle engine, idle hands. An idol is an image worshipped as a god, or a person intensely admired. Idle is chiefly an adjective, idol a noun, and a third word, idyll, means a peaceful scene.
The core difference
An adjective and a noun, plus a third word in the neighbourhood.
- idle — inactive, unproductive: idle machinery, idle speculation.
- idol — an object of worship or admiration: a teen idol.
- idyll — a peaceful or picturesque scene.
The senses of idle
It runs wider than laziness: an engine idles, capital sits idle, and idle threats or idle curiosity mean groundless or purposeless rather than lazy. That range is worth knowing because "idle speculation" is not an accusation of sloth.
The related words
Idolise and idolatry come from idol. Idyllic comes from idyll and means blissfully peaceful — nothing to do with either of the others.
Frequently asked questions
Which spelling means someone admired?
Idol. Idle means inactive.
Does idle always mean lazy?
No. It also means unoccupied or groundless — idle machinery, idle threats, idle curiosity.
What is an idyll?
A peaceful or picturesque scene, giving the adjective idyllic.