acedia

[ uh-see-dee-uh ]

noun

1. sloth ( def 1 ). Compare deadly sins.
2. laziness or indifference in religious matters.

acedia

/ əˈsiːdɪə /

noun

1. another word for accidie

Word History and Origins

Origin of acedia¹

1600–10; < Late Latin acēdia < Greek akḗdeia, equivalent to akēdḗ ( s ) ( a- a- ⁶ + -kēdēs, adj. derivative of kêdos care, anxiety) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

He knew that he had that sentimental disorder which he called 'acedia,' and wished to be rid of it.

From Project Gutenberg

What in Petrarch was a tendency, became an established condition in Rousseau: the acedia reached its climax.

From Project Gutenberg

Greek ἀκηδία; whence acedia or accidia in Latin; English accidie.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inactivity
• inertia
• passivity
• stagnation