lethargic
/le'θɑ:dʤik/ Cách viết khác : (lethargical) /le'θɑ:dʤikəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Deficient in alertness or activity; sluggish, drowsy, or apathetic: Describes a state of abnormal drowsiness, lack of energy, or indifference, often due to illness, fatigue, or other conditions.
- Characterized by lethargy: Pertaining to or affected by a lack of physical or mental energy.
Usage
The adjective "lethargic" is used to describe a person, animal, or even an economy/market that is abnormally slow, sleepy, or lacking in energy and enthusiasm. It often implies a pathological or unusual state of inactivity, not merely being tired.
Examples
- Describing a person:
- After the long illness, she felt weak and lethargic for weeks.
- The medication made him feel too lethargic to concentrate on his work.
- Describing an animal:
- The lethargic cat slept all day in the sun.
- Bullfrogs became lethargic with the first cold nights.
- Describing a system or activity:
- Trading was lethargic on the stock exchange today.
- The company's lethargic response to the crisis frustrated its customers.
Advanced Usage
- Medical/Clinical Context: Used to describe a symptom of various conditions, such as infections, depression, or metabolic disorders.
- The patient presented with a fever and a lethargic state.
- Figurative Use: Can describe non-physical entities like organizations or processes that are slow and unresponsive.
- The bureaucracy's lethargic pace hindered progress.
Variants and Related Words
- Lethargy (noun): The state of being lethargic; sluggishness or apathy.
- A state of profound lethargy overwhelmed him.
- Lethargically (adverb): In a lethargic manner.
- He moved lethargically through his morning routine.
Synonyms
- Sluggish: Slow-moving or inactive.
- Languid: Displaying a disinclination for physical exertion; slow and relaxed.
- Listless: Lacking energy or enthusiasm.
- Torpid: Mentally or physically inactive; dormant.
- Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Antonyms
- Energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
- Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
- Active: Engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.
- Alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.
- Dynamic: (Of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Idioms and Phrases
- To fall into a lethargic state: To become lethargic.
- After overworking for months, he finally fell into a lethargic state.
- Lethargic as a sloth: A simile emphasizing extreme slowness or inactivity.
- On Monday mornings, I feel as lethargic as a sloth.
Adjective
- deficient in alertness or activity
- bullfrogs became lethargic with the first cold nights