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languid

adjective
lan·​guid | \ ˈlaÅ‹-gwÉ™d How to pronounce languid (audio) \

Definition of languid

1 : drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion : weak arms too languid with happiness to embrace him— John Galsworthy
2 : sluggish in character or disposition : listless proceeded at a languid pace
3 : lacking force or quickness of movement : slow
Other Words from languid Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym What Is the Difference Between languid and languorous? More Example Sentences Learn More about languid

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Other Words from languid

languidly adverb
languidness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for languid

languid, languorous, lackadaisical, listless, spiritless mean lacking energy or enthusiasm. languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness. was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity. languorous cats lying in the sun lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts. lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom. listless hospital patients listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life. a spiritless recital of the poem

What Is the Difference Between languid and languorous?

The letter L holds claim to a payload of words in English that connote a lack of energy or enthusiasm. Two of them - "languid" and "languorous" - derive from the same source, the Latin verb languēre ("to languish"). "Languid" describes the kind of sluggishness that one often experiences from fatigue or weakness ("the illness left her feeling languid"). "Languorous" applies more to someone who just doesn’t feel the will to get up and do anything ("he felt languorous on a rainy Sunday afternoon"). There is also "lackadaisical," which implies a halfhearted effort given from lack of care ("lackadaisical seniors just floating along until graduation"), as well as "listless," which suggests a lack of spirit caused by physical weakness, dissatisfaction, or sadness ("she was listless for a few weeks following the breakup").

Examples of languid in a Sentence

They proceeded at a languid pace. It was a hot, languid summer day.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Despite our languid pace, Lees Ferry loomed much too soon. — Roger Naylor, azcentral, "Now you can kayak Arizona's famous Horseshoe Bend. Here's how.," 5 Sep. 2019 This week, Lana Del Rey’s Norman F—king Rockwell! comes out swinging as a statement of American despair over languid, beautiful melodies. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "The 5 Best Songs of the Week, From Lana Del Rey to Post Malone," 30 Aug. 2019 But nothing else has changed: the status quo has prevailed through a long, languid summer. — The Economist, "The army and the people face off in Algeria," 29 Aug. 2019 The story begins in 1986 on a languid afternoon in the Levys' Jerusalem apartment. — Liz Cantrell, Town & Country, "This Jewelry House Has Built a Loyal Following Based on Pearls and Philanthropy," 20 Aug. 2019 But beyond being able to deliver on the promise of a languid pace and varied scenic beauty, the region offers privacy, chief among the reasons affluent travelers keep visiting and investing. — Lindsey Tramuta, Fortune, "Purchasing Property in Provence, France," 23 Aug. 2019 The whole process set a languid pace for life there, and a lot of people liked it that way. — John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Back story: Coronado bridge turns 50," 4 Aug. 2019 But across most of its very charming and very languid runtime, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood almost entirely forgoes gruesome outbursts in favor of chitchat, driving, and backlot shenanigans. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Quentin Tarantino’s Ultimate Statement on Movie Violence," 2 Aug. 2019 No relation to Sergio Busquets, yet Oriol does play in the same position as his namesake and is equally tall and languid. — SI.com, "Barcelona: 6 Blaugrana Youngsters Who Deserve a Shot at the First Team in 2019/20," 28 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'languid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of languid

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for languid

Middle French languide, from Latin languidus, from languēre to languish — more at slack

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More Definitions for languid

languid

adjective
How to pronounce languid (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of languid

formal + literary : showing or having very little strength, energy, or activity

See the full definition for languid in the English Language Learners Dictionary

languid

adjective
lan·​guid | \ ˈlaÅ‹-gwÉ™d How to pronounce languid (audio) \

Kids Definition of languid

1 : having very little strength, energy, or spirit a pale languid boy
2 : having a slow and relaxed quality a languid pace

Other Words from languid

languidly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on languid

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for languid

Spanish Central: Translation of languid

Nglish: Translation of languid for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of languid for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about languid

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