languid
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for languid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Moving slowly and without energy, often in a relaxed and rather graceful way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Moving slowly and without energy, often in a relaxed and rather graceful way.
“She gave a languid wave from the far side of the pool.”
Opposites
How to use languid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
languid afternoon
languid gesture
languid pace
languid heat
Literary; frequent in descriptive and travel writing.
Etymology
From Latin languidus, from languere, meaning to be faint or weak.
Full origin of languid →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between languid and lazy?
Lazy is a criticism — it implies someone could make an effort and chooses not to. Languid is neutral or even flattering, describing slowness that seems relaxed, elegant or brought on by heat or illness.
Is languid a positive or negative word?
It depends on context. Describing a summer afternoon or a graceful gesture as languid is pleasant; describing an employee's work rate as languid is not.
