tepid

[ tep-id ]

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: unemotional, apathetic, halfhearted

tepid

/ ˈtɛpɪd /

adjective

1. slightly warm; lukewarm
2. relatively unenthusiastic or apathetic

   the play had a tepid reception

Derived Forms

• teˈpidity, noun
• ˈtepidly, adverb

Other Words From

• te·pidi·ty tepid·ness noun
• tepid·ly adverb
• sub·tepid adjective
• sub·tepid·ly adverb
• sub·tepid·ness noun
• subte·pidi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tepid¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tepid¹

C14: from Latin tepidus, from tepēre to be lukewarm

Example Sentences

Support also remained tepid for the ballot measure that would expand the local government’s authority to enact rent control.

From Los Angeles Times

Her week-one performance on "Dancing with the Stars" received a tepid reaction from fans on social media, who criticized her lack of energy.

From Salon

Released earlier this summer, it was met with critical acclaim, but the numbers on streaming platforms have been tepid.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week the Japanese company announced it was pulling Concord - one of its other recent big games - from sale after a tepid response from critics and players.

From BBC

Some Democrats, however, are worried that Harris' money flood is overshadowing tepid fundraising by down-ballot candidates and committees focused on state legislative races, and it's unclear how long her coattails are.

From Salon

Related Words

• dull
• halfhearted
• mild
• unenthusiastic
• warm