languorous
/'læɳgərəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characterized by or producing a state of dreamy, lazy, or relaxed inactivity; lacking energy or vigor; sluggish. This describes a person, atmosphere, or period of time that feels slow, relaxed, and pleasantly tired, often due to heat, comfort, or indulgence.
- Suggestive of tender, dreamy, or weary softness. This can describe a mood, gesture, or quality that is slow and graceful, without haste or sharpness.
Usage and Examples
- Describing a person's state or mood:
- After the large meal, we spent a languorous afternoon on the terrace, too content to move.
- She gave a languorous stretch before finally getting out of bed.
- Describing an atmosphere or period of time:
- The languorous pace of life in the seaside village was a welcome change.
- The novel captures the languorous atmosphere of a hot summer day in the countryside.
- Describing a gesture or movement:
- He dismissed the idea with a languorous wave of his hand.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- Connotation: "Languorous" often carries a positive or neutral connotation of pleasant relaxation and surrender to a feeling. It is less negative than words like "listless" or "lethargic," which imply a lack of energy that is undesirable. A "languorous" afternoon is typically enjoyable.
- Typical Contexts: It is frequently used to describe hot weather, slow afternoons, sensual or dreamy moods, relaxed movements, and indulgent leisure.
Variants and Related Words
- Languor (noun): The state or feeling of pleasant tiredness or inertia.
- Languid (adjective): Very similar in meaning to "languorous," often used interchangeably. It can sometimes emphasize a lack of strength or vitality more than a dreamy quality.
- Languish (verb): To lose or lack vitality; to grow weak or feeble. It can also mean to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation.
Synonyms
- Lethargic: Sluggish and apathetic (often more negative).
- Listless: Lacking energy or enthusiasm.
- Lackadaisical: Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.
- Torpid: Mentally or physically inactive; lethargic.
- Indolent: Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.
Antonyms
- Energetic
- Vigorous
- Dynamic
- Brisk
- Animated
Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases
- A languorous air/mood: A pervasive feeling of relaxed sluggishness.
- A languorous air settled over the resort as the sun reached its peak.
- Languorous grace: A slow, smooth, and attractive way of moving.
- The dancer moved with a languorous grace that captivated the audience.
Adjective
- lacking spirit or liveliness
- a lackadaisical attempt
- a languid mood
- a languid wave of the hand
- a hot languorous afternoon