languid

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Moving or acting slowly and with little energy, often in a relaxed or graceful way.

   Grammar: Can be used before a noun ('a languid movement') or after a linking verb ('she felt languid').

   Patterns

   • languid movement
   • languid pace
   • feel languid

   The dancers moved with languid grace.

   He gave a languid wave from across the room.

   After the heavy lunch, we spent a languid afternoon by the pool.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Lacking energy or vitality; weak or tired.

   Grammar: Often used to describe a person's state or a period of time: 'a languid mood'.

   Patterns

   • languid mood
   • languid voice
   • grow languid

   The illness left him languid and unable to work.

   Her voice was languid with exhaustion.

   The hot weather made everyone feel languid.

Word forms

Common combinations

languid afternoon

We spent a languid afternoon reading on the porch.

languid pace

The movie unfolds at a languid pace.

languid movement

The cat stretched with languid movements.

languid voice

He answered in a languid voice, as if he had just woken up.

Synonyms and how they differ

lethargic

Lethargic suggests a lack of energy that is often negative or due to illness, while languid can be pleasant and relaxed.

listless

Listless means lacking interest or enthusiasm, whereas languid often implies a graceful slowness.

sluggish

Sluggish means moving slowly and heavily, often with a sense of dullness, while languid is lighter and more relaxed.

Opposites

Word family

languidly adverb

In a slow, relaxed manner: 'She waved languidly.'

languor noun

A state of pleasant tiredness or relaxation: 'the languor of a summer evening.'

languidness noun

The quality of being languid; less common than 'languor'.

Commonly confused: languid or languish?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “languid”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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