tepid

American  

[tep-id] / ˈtɛp ɪd /

adjective

1. moderately warm; lukewarm.

   tepid water.

   Synonyms:

   mild, moderate

2. characterized by a lack of force or enthusiasm.

   tepid prose;

   the critics' tepid reception for the new play.

   Synonyms:

   apathetic, halfhearted, unemotional

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tepid British  

/ ˈtɛpɪd /

adjective

1. slightly warm; lukewarm

2. relatively unenthusiastic or apathetic

   the play had a tepid reception

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Other Word Forms

• subtepid adjective
• subtepidity noun
• subtepidly adverb
• subtepidness noun
• tepidity noun
• tepidly adverb
• tepidness noun

Etymology

Origin of tepid

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin tepidus “lukewarm,” from tep(ēre) “to be lukewarm” + -idus -id ⁴

Explanation

Tepid means lukewarm or half-hearted. If the applause for your mime-on-a-unicycle performance was more tepid than enthusiastic, it might be time to find a new hobby. Around the year 1400, the word tepid evolved from the Latin tepidus, an adjective meaning “lukewarm,” which itself is derived from the Latin tepere, a verb meaning “to be warm.” Tepid people or things are lukewarm or lacking in enthusiasm or emotion. Bathwater that’s been sitting in the tub for two hours is probably tepid. So is the greeting you might give to a former friend you run into at the movie theater.

Example Sentences

LIV Golf has been popular in golf-starved locales such as Australia and South Africa, but TV ratings are low everywhere and interest in events held in the United States is tepid.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The association now anticipates a tepid increase of 1% in 2026 sales activity from the prior year, versus its previous call in January for a 5.1% rise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

It was unfortunate for the head coach that minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in the directors' box to hear the half-time booing, to witness a tepid opening period, and the failed rescue attempt.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Or, it would be if we didn’t have so many cringe-inducing comments from Hegseth, such as: “maximum lethality, not tepid legality.”

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Sometimes she wrote some posts expecting ugly responses, her stomach tight with dread and excitement, but they would draw only tepid comments.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• dull
• halfhearted
• mild
• unenthusiastic
• warm