lukewarm

[look-wawrm]

See more synonyms for lukewarm on Thesaurus.com

adjective

moderately warm; tepid.
having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent: lukewarm applause.

Origin of lukewarm

1350–1400; Middle English lukewarme tepid, equivalent to luke tepid (unexplained alteration of lew, Old English gehlēow tepid) + warme warm

Related formsluke·warm·ly, adverbluke·warm·ness, luke·warmth, noun

Synonyms

See more synonyms for lukewarm on Thesaurus.com

2. halfhearted, cool, apathetic.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for lukewarm

Contemporary Examples

There are reasons why New Jersey is lukewarm about its own Sen. Cory Booker—even while the rest of the country swoons.
The Ugly Truth About Cory Booker, New Jersey’s Golden Boy
Olivia Nuzzi
October 20, 2014
My current lukewarm affection for lagers no longer stems from a lack of exposure.
Wine Snobs, There’s a Beer for You
Jordan Salcito
April 5, 2014
Even members of the Muslim Brotherhood are lukewarm on the aid cuts.
General Al-Sisi’s Popularity Soars After U.S. Aid Cut-off To Egypt
Sophia Jones
October 10, 2013
The movie was a hit in the U.K., though the American response was lukewarm.
‘Mad Men’ Premiere: A History of ‘Zou Bisou Bisou,’ Megan’s Sultry Song to Don
Lauren Streib
March 26, 2012
Jesse Singal wonders why the movement is so lukewarm to the likely GOP nominee.
The Tea Party Should Adore Mitt Romney, So Why the Cold Feet?
Jesse Singal
March 22, 2012

Historical Examples

Oh, now I see why I thought her affection measured and lukewarm.
Alice, or The Mysteries, Complete
Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Have ready some water, rather more than lukewarm, but not hot.
Culture and Cooking
Catherine Owen
Every hour he had to get up to give the baby spoonfuls of lukewarm sugar and water.
L'Assommoir
Emile Zola
It should be stirred in thoroughly, but quickly; it must not be too hot, or too cold, but just lukewarm.
The Skilful Cook
Mary Harrison
Put into lukewarm water, to which has been added one pint of old ale.
The Skilful Cook
Mary Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for lukewarm

lukewarm

adjective

(esp of water) moderately warm; tepid
having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction

Derived Formslukewarmly, adverblukewarmness, noun

Word Origin

C14 luke probably from Old English hlēow warm; compare German lauwarm

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

Word Origin and History for lukewarm

adj.

late 14c., from luke + warm (adj.). Figurative sense of "lacking in zeal" (of persons or their actions) is from 1520s. Related: Lukewarmly; lukewarmness.

lukewarm

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}lukewarm

Synonyms

Examples from the Web for lukewarm

Contemporary Examples

There are reasons why New Jersey is lukewarm about its own Sen. Cory Booker—even while the rest of the country swoons.

My current lukewarm affection for lagers no longer stems from a lack of exposure.

Even members of the Muslim Brotherhood are lukewarm on the aid cuts.

The movie was a hit in the U.K., though the American response was lukewarm.

Jesse Singal wonders why the movement is so lukewarm to the likely GOP nominee.

Historical Examples

Oh, now I see why I thought her affection measured and lukewarm.

Have ready some water, rather more than lukewarm, but not hot.

Every hour he had to get up to give the baby spoonfuls of lukewarm sugar and water.

It should be stirred in thoroughly, but quickly; it must not be too hot, or too cold, but just lukewarm.

Put into lukewarm water, to which has been added one pint of old ale.

lukewarm

Word Origin

Word Origin and History for lukewarm

adj.

Origin of lukewarm