languid

/ˈlæŋɡwɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlæŋɡwɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlaŋ-gwəd/ (ame, mw)

languid — adjective

  • languidpositive
  • more languidcomparative
  • most languidsuperlative

1. having a relaxed, slow way of carrying yourself that looks smooth and appealing

1.形容詞C1
釋義

having a relaxed, slow way of carrying yourself that looks smooth and appealing rather than tired — often used to describe movements, voices, or poses that feel unhurried and elegant.

例句

The dancer moved across the stage with long, languid steps that held the audience silent.

languid + steps / movements describing graceful slowness

Yuna lay on the sofa in a languid pose, turning the pages of a magazine.

languid pose — describing a relaxed body position

同義詞
  • languorous

    more poetic and dreamy, often suggesting a pleasant drowsiness rather than deliberate calm

  • graceful

    emphasises elegance without any suggestion of slowness

  • relaxed

    broader and more casual; lacks the visual elegance that languid implies

反義詞
  • energetic

    full of active force or vitality

  • brisk

    quick and energetic in movement, without any hint of slowness

用法筆記

Unlike sense 2, this sense carries a positive or neutral connotation — the slowness is seen as graceful or charming, not a sign of illness or exhaustion. Subject is typically a person's movements, voice, expression, or the atmosphere of a scene.

常見錯誤

❌She felt languid and sick after the meal.
✅She felt sluggish and sick after the meal.
💡Use sense 2 (LACKING ENERGY) for negative tiredness; sense 1 describes an appealing, graceful slowness.

2. feeling weak, tired, or without the will to do things — as if your body and mind

2.形容詞C1
釋義

feeling weak, tired, or without the will to do things — as if your body and mind are moving through water and everything requires noticeable effort.

例句

Amara felt languid and heavy after staying up all night finishing her biology project.

feel languid — describing tiredness from lack of sleep

A wave of languid weariness washed over Minh as he climbed the final stairs.

languid weariness — collocation for extreme tiredness

同義詞
  • sluggish

    emphasises slow physical reaction; more neutral than languid

  • listless

    focuses on lack of interest or motivation rather than physical energy

  • lethargic

    medical or clinical tone; suggests a pathological lack of energy

反義詞
  • vigorous

    strong, healthy, and full of energy

  • spirited

    full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense describes a genuinely depleted state — from illness, exhaustion, heat, or low mood. Common with verbs like 'feel', 'grow', and 'become'. Can also describe periods of economic or cultural inactivity (e.g. 'a languid economy').

常見錯誤

❌The ballet dancer's movements were languid and clumsy.
✅The ballet dancer's movements were languid and graceful.
💡Sense 1 describes elegant slowness, not clumsiness. Use 'sluggish' or 'clumsy' for negative physical uncoordination.