laodicean
Definition
Noun:
- A person indifferent or apathetic, especially in matters of religion or politics: "Laodicean" refers to someone who is lukewarm, unconcerned, or lacking strong commitment or enthusiasm in their beliefs or affiliations.
Adjective:
- Indifferent or lukewarm, especially in religious or political matters: Used to describe a person, attitude, or stance that is neither hot nor cold, but tepid and unenthusiastic.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- He was a complete laodicean when it came to the heated political debate, refusing to take a side. (He was indifferent and uninterested in the discussion.)
Adjective:
- Her laodicean attitude toward the church's mission frustrated the more devout members. (Her lukewarm and apathetic approach was disappointing.)
Advanced Usage
- "Laodicean spirit": a state of spiritual or moral indifference.
- The congregation was warned against the laodicean spirit that plagued the early church. (A warning against being lukewarm in faith.)
Variants and Related Words
- Laodiceanism (n): the quality or state of being indifferent or lukewarm.
- The laodiceanism of the voters led to low turnout in the election. (The apathy of the electorate.)
Synonyms
- Apathetic: showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
- Lukewarm: showing little enthusiasm or conviction; unenthusiastic.
- Indifferent: having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
Related Idioms
- Neither hot nor cold: a biblical allusion (Revelation 3:15-16) describing a state of indifference, often applied to a laodicean attitude.
- His commitment to the cause was neither hot nor cold — he was a true laodicean. (He was completely indifferent.)