adjective

languid

LANG-gwid

Languid (adjective) means moving slowly and without energy, often in a relaxed and rather graceful way. Example: “She gave a languid wave from the far side of the pool.”

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."

"They spent a languid afternoon in the shade."

Weak or drooping from illness or tiredness.

"A fortnight of fever had left him pale and languid."

How to use languid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSlow and relaxed, without much energy.

When to use it

Literary; frequent in descriptive and travel writing.

Memory tip

Languid is an adjective; the related verb 'languish' means to suffer or waste away in a bad situation, which is a very different idea.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

languish → lethargic → lackadaisical →

Common pairings

languid afternoon languid gesture languid pace languid heat

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She gave a _____ wave from the far side of the pool.

Etymology

From Latin languidus, from languere, meaning to be faint or weak.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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unhurried listless leisurely lethargic indolent feeble enervated weak

Antonyms

brisk energetic vigorous

Related words

beautiful fast active quick slow temperature weak slowly

Rhymes for languid

quid squid fluid druid liquid genderfluid

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of languid?

"languid" (adjective) means moving slowly and without energy, often in a relaxed and rather graceful way.

What is another word for languid?

Other words for "languid" include unhurried, listless, leisurely, lethargic, indolent, feeble.

People also searched

beautiful fast active quick slow temperature weak slowly