Lukewarm
/ˈluːkwɔːrm/
Definitions
2 meaningsModerately warm; slightly warm; tepid.
/ˈluːkwɔːrm/
Moderately warm; not hot or cold.
The soup was lukewarm and not very appetizing.
💡 Simply: Imagine you take a bath and the water isn't too hot or too cold, just right in the middle. That's lukewarm! Like if your tea isn't hot enough to burn your tongue, but not cold enough to be refreshing.
👶 For kids: Not too hot, not too cold. Just a little warm.
More Examples
He took a lukewarm bath to relax.
She found the tea was lukewarm after it had sat for too long.
How It's Used
"The coffee was lukewarm after sitting out for an hour."
"The temperature was described as lukewarm, just above freezing."
Showing little enthusiasm or interest; indifferent; apathetic.
/ˈluːkwɔːrm/
Showing little enthusiasm or interest; indifferent.
The audience gave a lukewarm response to the performance.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are telling a joke. If people just give you a slight smile, that's a lukewarm reaction! It means they're not super excited, and just aren't really that impressed.
👶 For kids: Not very excited or interested. Like, 'meh'.
More Examples
The company's efforts to sell the product were met with a lukewarm reception.
His initial enthusiasm for the project had cooled, and his interest became lukewarm.
How It's Used
"The public's reaction to the new policy was lukewarm."
"She felt her friends were lukewarm about her new project."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
lukewarm reception
An indifferent or unenthusiastic response or welcome.
"The new product launch received a lukewarm reception from the market."
From Middle English luke warme, from luke (tepid) + warm (warm).
The word 'lukewarm' has been used since the late 14th century, initially describing temperature, and later extended to encompass indifference or apathy.
Memory tip
Think of luke (tepid) and warm. The temperature is in between.
Word Origin
"Luke (tepid) + warm"