tepid

American  

[tep-id] / ˈtɛp ɪd /

adjective

1. moderately warm; lukewarm.

   tepid water.

   Synonyms:

   mild, moderate

2. characterized by a lack of force or enthusiasm.

   tepid prose;

   the critics' tepid reception for the new play.

   Synonyms:

   apathetic, halfhearted, unemotional

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tepid British  

/ ˈtɛpɪd /

adjective

1. slightly warm; lukewarm

2. relatively unenthusiastic or apathetic

   the play had a tepid reception

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Other Word Forms

• subtepid adjective
• subtepidity noun
• subtepidly adverb
• subtepidness noun
• tepidity noun
• tepidly adverb
• tepidness noun

Etymology

Origin of tepid

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin tepidus “lukewarm,” from tep(ēre) “to be lukewarm” + -idus -id ⁴

Example Sentences

So far, the stock market reaction has been tepid.

From Barron's

So far, the stock market reaction has been tepid.

From Barron's

Meanwhile, stocks may get off to a tepid start as a big week for earnings looms with some of the biggest U.S. tech stocks set to report.

From The Wall Street Journal

The dollar fell in Asian trade Monday amid speculation US officials could join their Japanese counterparts to help support the yen after a recent sell-off, while equities started the week on a tepid note.

From Barron's

Economic activity in Canada remains tepid, with businesses unwilling to accelerate investment and hiring plans until USMCA’s fate is determined, economists and officials say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dull
• halfhearted
• mild
• unenthusiastic
• warm