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
1
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."
2
Weak or drooping from illness or tiredness.
"A fortnight of fever had left him pale and languid."
How to use languid
Learner’s notesIn 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
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for languid
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, languorous.
