WordGarden.iolanguid
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈæŋɡwɪd/
US
- /ˈlæŋɡwəd/
Meanings
Adjective
slow, relaxed, and lacking lively energy in movement, style, or mood
weak, tired, or lacking physical vitality
Beyond the definition
Imagine a hot summer afternoon, when the air feels heavy and even small movements take extra effort. That is often the feeling this word gives. It describes someone or something that is slow, low in energy, and slightly weak or tired. A languid movement is smooth and unhurried, like a cat stretching in the sun. A languid voice may sound soft, slow, and drawn out. The word can feel calm and pleasant, but it often carries a hint of weariness too.
Its roots point to ideas like "weak" or "faint," which helps explain that tired feeling. In stories, writers often use it for sleepy eyes, slow gestures, or a mood that feels dreamy, lazy, or a little sad.
Languid describes someone or something that moves, feels, or appears slow, low in energy, and a little weak or tired. It often suggests a gentle, graceful kind of slowness rather than sharp, active motion. The word is commonly used for people, gestures, looks, voices, and moods.
You can use languid for physical movement. A languid stretch, wave, or walk feels unhurried and loose, often as if the person does not have much energy. It also works for expression and sound: a languid smile may spread slowly across the face, and a languid voice may sound soft, slow, and slightly lazy. You may also see it used for an atmosphere or pace, such as a languid afternoon or a languid way of life.
The word is not always positive. Sometimes it simply means relaxed and dreamy, but very often it also hints at weariness, faintness, or lack of spirit. A languid gaze may seem sleepy or distant. A languid crowd may seem dull and without much enthusiasm. Context decides whether the feeling is pleasantly calm or slightly lifeless.
Historically, the word was closely tied to illness, weakness, and faintness. That older sense is still present in modern English, even when the word is used in a more poetic way. Because of that, languid usually suggests more than simple calmness; it suggests calmness touched by tiredness.
So whether you are describing a slow dance, a sleepy glance, a soft voice, or a heavy summer afternoon, languid brings together slowness, softness, and low energy. It often feels dreamy, but it usually carries at least a small sense of weakness or fatigue.
Examples
- 1
Low energy
After lunch, she felt too languid to answer emails.
- 2
Relaxed gesture
He gave a languid wave from the sofa and went back to his book.
- 3
Speaking style
She answered in a languid voice, as if nothing could hurry her.
- 4
Leisure time
We spent a languid afternoon by the river, talking only when we felt like it.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meeting pace
The meeting moved at a languid pace until someone finally made a decision.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- languidadjective