Word: Lukewarm
Part of Speech: Adjective
Basic Definition: "Lukewarm" means something that is moderately warm, not hot and not cold. It can also describe a feeling of showing little interest or enthusiasm.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "lukewarm" to describe temperature or to express a lack of enthusiasm about something.
Examples:
Temperature Usage: "I prefer my coffee hot, but this cup is lukewarm."
Interest Usage: "The team's performance was lukewarm; they didn’t seem very excited to win."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "lukewarm" can be used in discussions about opinions or reactions. For example, "The audience's reaction was lukewarm, suggesting that they were not fully engaged with the presentation."
Word Variants:
Lukewarmly (adverb): This means done in a lukewarm manner. For example, "He responded lukewarmly to the proposal."
Lukewarmness (noun): This refers to the quality of being lukewarm. For example, "The lukewarmness of his support disappointed the committee."
Different Meanings:
Temperature: Refers to something that is neither hot nor cold.
Interest/Enthusiasm: Refers to a lack of strong feelings or commitment.
Synonyms:
Tepid: This is another word that means moderately warm, often used to describe liquids.
Halfhearted: This describes a lack of enthusiasm or commitment, similar to lukewarm in terms of feelings.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "lukewarm" itself is not commonly used in idioms, you might hear phrases like "a lukewarm response" or "lukewarm support," which are used to describe reactions that are not very enthusiastic.
Summary:
"Lukewarm" can describe both temperature and feelings.