lukewarm

[look-wawrm]

adjective

1. moderately warm; tepid.

2. having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent.

   lukewarm applause.

   Synonyms: apathetic, cool, halfhearted

lukewarm

/ ˌluːkˈwɔːm /

adjective

1. (esp of water) moderately warm; tepid

2. having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction

Other Word Forms

• lukewarmly adverb
• lukewarmness noun
• lukewarmth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lukewarm¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lukewarm¹

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

Example Sentences

Those who attended the film were apparently disappointed in the lack of action scenes, with audiences giving a lukewarm "B-" grade in exit polls, Variety said.

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She alluded to it in a social media post , externalcelebrating her world player of the year award win, finishing her message with "lukewarm is no good".

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The reaction was lukewarm at best and Hogan made sporadic appearances until losing the title to Yokozuna that summer.

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The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.

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According to Mr Stead, Leeds lost out because although Metro backed the plan Leeds City Council were lukewarm.

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Related Words

• apathetic 
• chilly 
• halfhearted 
• hesitant 
• indecisive 
• tepid 
• uncertain 
• uncommitted