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Synonyms

languorous

American  
[lang-ger-uhs] / ˈlæŋ gər əs /

adjective

  1. characterized by languor; languid.

  2. inducing languor.

    languorous fragrance.


languorous British  
/ ˈlæŋɡərəs /

adjective

  1. characterized by or producing languor

  2. another word for languid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of languorous

First recorded in 1480–90; languor + -ous


Explanation

To be languorous is to be dreamy, lackadaisical, and languid. When someone is languorous, she’s lying around, daydreaming, possibly fanning herself lazily. It’s a little self-indulgent. Languorous refers to a certain kind of mood everyone gets in sometimes — when you'd rather lie around thinking than doing work or having fun. When you're languorous, you're tired and maybe a little depressed. Things can be languorous, too — like a hot, languorous summer afternoon or a languorous song that’s slow and mournful. If you've ever lounged in bed for an hour after you were supposed to get up, you’re familiar with feeling languorous.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing languorous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Mr. Miller, a writer of great narrative authority, specializes in historical thrillers that move at a languorous pace.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025

It was an emotional performance, with Balsom producing a beautifully rounded tone during the slower, languorous movements before switching into high gear for the dazzling pyrotechnics of the closing Rondo.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2025

And smash the pitch clock — this fan wants to keep the game languorous and unexpected.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2025

There’s a loose, languorous quality to “Gasoline Rainbow,” which the Rosses shot using a mostly improvised format, a collaboration between actors and filmmakers.

From New York Times ● May 10, 2024

Now a languorous waiting settled over the hospital.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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