torpid
/'tɔ:pid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- In a state of physical or mental inactivity; sluggish or lethargic: Describes a condition of reduced physiological activity, often resembling sleep or hibernation, or a state of mental dullness and lack of energy.
- Dormant or hibernating: Specifically refers to animals in a state of suspended animation during winter.
Usage and Examples
- Describing physical sluggishness or hibernation:
- The bear was torpid throughout the long winter months.
- A torpid frog may appear lifeless but is merely in a state of dormancy.
- Describing mental dullness or apathy:
- After the large meal, he felt torpid and unable to concentrate.
- A torpid mind fails to engage with new ideas.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Scientific/Biological Context: Used to describe the physiological state of estivation or hibernation in animals, where metabolic rates are drastically reduced.
- The study observed torpid bats to understand energy conservation.
- Figurative Use for Inactivity: Can describe organizations, economies, or processes that are stagnant or lacking in progress.
- The torpid economy showed no signs of recovery for several quarters.
Variants and Related Words
- Torpidity (noun): The state or quality of being torpid.
- The torpidity of the sloth is a key survival adaptation.
- Torpor (noun): A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy. This is the more common noun form.
- The heat induced a feeling of deep torpor in everyone.
Synonyms
- Lethargic: Sluggish and apathetic.
- Sluggish: Slow-moving or inactive.
- Dormant: In a state of rest or inactivity; temporarily not active or developing.
- Inert: Lacking the ability or strength to move; inactive.
Antonyms
- Energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
- Active: Engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.
- Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
- Alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To fall into a torpor: To enter a state of physical or mental inactivity.
- After the crisis passed, the team fell into a torpor.
- Torpid state: A phrase commonly used to emphasize the condition of inactivity.
- The medication left him in a torpid state for hours.
Adjective
- in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
- dormant buds
- a hibernating bear
- torpid frogs
- slow and apathetic
- she was fat and inert
- a sluggish worker
- a mind grown torpid in old age