lukewarm

[look-wawrm]

adjective

1. moderately warm; tepid.

2. having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent.

   lukewarm applause.

   Synonyms: apathetic, cool, halfhearted

lukewarm

/ ˌluːkˈwɔːm /

adjective

1. (esp of water) moderately warm; tepid

2. having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction

Other Word Forms

• lukewarmly adverb
• lukewarmness noun
• lukewarmth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lukewarm¹

1350–1400; Middle English lukewarme tepid, equivalent to luke tepid (unexplained alteration of lew, Old English gehlēow tepid) + warme warm

Word History and Origins

Origin of lukewarm¹

C14 luke probably from Old English hlēow warm; compare German lauwarm

Example Sentences

Can you imagine what it would be like to live on a planet with two dim, lukewarm suns like this?

Read more on Space Scoop

Those who attended the film were apparently disappointed in the lack of action scenes, with audiences giving a lukewarm "B-" grade in exit polls, Variety said.

Read more on BBC

She alluded to it in a social media post , externalcelebrating her world player of the year award win, finishing her message with "lukewarm is no good".

Read more on BBC

The reaction was lukewarm at best and Hogan made sporadic appearances until losing the title to Yokozuna that summer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• apathetic 
• chilly 
• halfhearted 
• hesitant 
• indecisive 
• tepid 
• uncertain 
• uncommitted