adjective
lukewarm
look-WAWM
Lukewarm (adjective) means Only slightly warm; neither hot nor cold. Example: “The soup arrived lukewarm, which was disappointing.”
adjective
1
Only slightly warm; neither hot nor cold.
"The soup arrived lukewarm, which was disappointing."
2
Showing little enthusiasm or interest.
"The board gave a lukewarm response to the new proposal."
How to use lukewarm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMildly warm in temperature, or mildly interested in something — both senses carry a sense of "not enough."
Common pairings
lukewarm water
lukewarm reception
lukewarm response
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Word forms
- Comparative
- lukewarmer, more lukewarm
- Superlative
- lukewarmest, most lukewarm
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The soup arrived _____, which was disappointing.
Etymology
From Middle English lukewarm, combining an old word for "tepid" with warm. Related forms turn up across Germanic languages, including German lauwarm and Dutch lauw.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “lukewarm” mean?
The word “lukewarm” means only slightly warm; neither hot nor cold. In plain terms, mildly warm in temperature, or mildly interested in something — both senses carry a sense of "not enough.".
How do you pronounce “lukewarm”?
“Lukewarm” is pronounced look-WAWM (/ˌlukˈwɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “lukewarm” in a sentence?
Here is “lukewarm” used in a sentence: “The soup arrived lukewarm, which was disappointing.”
What part of speech is “lukewarm”?
“Lukewarm” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lukewarm” come from?
The word “lukewarm” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lukewarm, combining an old word for "tepid" with warm. Related forms turn up across Germanic languages, including German lauwarm and Dutch lauw.
How many meanings does “lukewarm” have?
“Lukewarm” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: only slightly warm; neither hot nor cold.
