tepid
What does "tepid" mean?
Tepid literally describes a liquid that is moderately warm, usually implying it has cooled down from a desirable hot temperature to a lackluster, lukewarm state. Mentally, imagine a cup of tea that you forgot on your desk for an hour; it is no longer refreshing or comforting, just sitting in a bland middle ground. Beyond temperature, the word is frequently used metaphorically to describe feelings, reactions, or support that lack enthusiasm or passion. If a movie or a proposal receives a "tepid response," it means people were neither excited nor outraged—they were simply indifferent or unimpressed.
"tepid" in conversation
Coffee shop regret
Ugh, I let my latte sit too long. It's totally tepid now.
Ugh, I let my latte sit too long. It's totally tepid now.
That's the worst. Want me to zap it in the microwave for you?
That's the worst. Want me to zap it in the microwave for you?
Used here to describe an unpleasantly lukewarm beverage.
Discussing a movie
Did you see the new blockbuster last night?
Did you see the new blockbuster last night?
I did, but the audience reaction was pretty tepid. Nobody clapped at the end.
I did, but the audience reaction was pretty tepid. Nobody clapped at the end.
Used metaphorically to describe a lack of excitement or enthusiasm.
"tepid" in a sentence
The water in the pool was tepid, which was perfect for a quick afternoon dip.
The water in the pool was tepid, which was perfect for a quick afternoon dip.
He gave a tepid apology that did little to soothe her anger.
He gave a tepid apology that did little to soothe her anger.
Despite the high-budget marketing campaign, the product launch met with a tepid reception from critics.
Despite the high-budget marketing campaign, the product launch met with a tepid reception from critics.
