LUKEWARM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does lukewarm mean? 

• LUKEWARM (adjective)
  The adjective LUKEWARM has 2 senses:

1. moderately warm

2. feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm

  Familiarity information: LUKEWARM used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LUKEWARM (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Moderately warm

Synonyms:

lukewarm; tepid

Context example:

tepid bath water

Similar:

warm (having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat)

Derivation:

lukewarmness (a warmness resembling the temperature of the skin)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm

Synonyms:

half-hearted; halfhearted; lukewarm; tepid

Context example:

gave only lukewarm support to the candidate

Similar:

unenthusiastic (not enthusiastic; lacking excitement or ardor)

Derivation:

lukewarmness (lack of passion, force or animation)

 Context examples 

Martin nodded that he heard,—it was a habit of nature with him to pay heed to whoever talked to him,—and poured a cup of lukewarm coffee.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

To keep your feet healthy: • Examine your feet regularly • Wear comfortable shoes that fit • Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water • Trim your toenails straight across and not too short

(Foot Health, NIH: National Institute on Aging)

A cloggy sensation of the lukewarm fat of meat is upon me (we dined an hour or two ago), and my head is as heavy as so much lead.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

To soothe itchy skin, you can try cold compresses, lotions and lukewarm baths.

(Itching, NIH)

He loathed the idea that his daughter should be united to a Christian, but he feared the resentment of Felix if he should appear lukewarm, for he knew that he was still in the power of his deliverer if he should choose to betray him to the Italian state which they inhabited.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)