lukewarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lukewarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately warm, often referring to temperature, or metaphorically to indicate a lack of enthusiasm or commitment. Example: "The coffee was lukewarm by the time I got to it, making it less enjoyable to drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Christie, viewed by many as the most moderate would-be candidate in attendance, reeled off impressive statistics from his re-election victory in New Jersey last year as he received a predictably lukewarm response from the conservative-leaning audience.

The Guardian

The broad agreement, negotiated by the US and other world powers, is facing stiff opposition from Republicans on Capitol Hill and received only a lukewarm reaction from Democrats.

The Guardian

Sean O'Callaghan, a former IRA southern commander who became Trimble's adviser on republicanism, recalled Burnside's lukewarm conversion.

The Guardian

In the past, the US has sometimes been accused of being lukewarm on an international agreement.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.45am AESTony Abbott Abbott was speaking in Melbourne to underline serving up the carbon tax, now surely a lukewarm dish, for the third time.

The Guardian

It was brownies and cappuccinos with poncy, swirly patterns in the foam, with waiter service, costing an arm and a leg, and lukewarm after all the diddling about.

The Guardian

Three times in 2007 Warner wrote to Thompson asking whether England would be willing to play in Trinidad, receiving only a lukewarm response which gave him little cause for optimism.

The Guardian - Sport

Try to imagine this election as a lovely big moodboard, with the Liberal Democrats putting lukewarm water at the heart of Westminster.

The Guardian

With a front page that may or may not be read as antisemitic, that may or may not have been intended to be read as antisemitic by an audience that may or may not know that its target is actually Jewish, and who embraces and is embraced by the Jewish community in an often lukewarm fashion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite her national prominence, Warren scored a lukewarm 25. "Some Senate observers have expected Warren to discuss climate change more this year now that she is on the energy and natural resources committee, but so far she's only made one public statement, engaged in minimal press release work, not written any bills, and cosponsored very few bills," the Climate Hawk report reads.

The Guardian

Me doing something like that, which is about protecting people's right to conscience, I definitely regret it, if people have misread that and think that means I'm lukewarm on equal marriage".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing feelings or reactions, consider if "lukewarm" accurately conveys a lack of strong emotion. Alternatives like "unenthusiastic" or "halfhearted" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

While "lukewarm" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "tepid" (when referring to temperature) or "unenthusiastic" (when describing reactions) to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "lukewarm" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is moderately warm or lacks strong enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its dual usage, as seen in examples describing both physical temperature and emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lukewarm" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state that is neither strongly warm nor cold, or a level of enthusiasm that is not strong or passionate. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. It's important to select "lukewarm" when the goal is to convey a sense of moderation or a lack of intense feeling, and to be aware of the appropriateness and the alternatives when writing in specialized contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, "lukewarm" is a commonly accepted term in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tepid

Refers specifically to a liquid being moderately warm; less commonly used for metaphorical lack of enthusiasm.

halfhearted

Describes a lack of enthusiasm or commitment; focuses on effort rather than temperature.

unenthusiastic

Directly expresses a lack of enthusiasm; broader in application than "lukewarm".

lackluster

Describes something that lacks vitality or excitement; often used for performances or events.

indifferent

Suggests a complete lack of interest or concern; stronger than "lukewarm".

apathetic

Implies a lack of feeling or emotion; stronger and more negative than "lukewarm".

moderate

Implies a middle-ground or tempered enthusiasm; less negative than "lukewarm".

faint

Indicates a weak or slight degree of enthusiasm or warmth; emphasizes the minimal level.

mild

Suggests a gentle or subdued response; less intense than "lukewarm".

cool

In this context, implies a lack of warmth or enthusiasm; can also mean fashionable or composed, unlike "lukewarm".

FAQs

How can I use "lukewarm" in a sentence?

You can use "lukewarm" to describe something that is moderately warm, like "The tea was "lukewarm"". It can also describe a lack of enthusiasm, such as "The proposal received a "lukewarm" response".

What are some synonyms for "lukewarm"?

Synonyms for "lukewarm" include "tepid", "halfhearted", and "unenthusiastic". The best choice depends on whether you are describing temperature or a lack of enthusiasm.

Is it correct to use "lukewarm" to describe a person's feelings?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "lukewarm" to describe a person's feelings or reaction, indicating a lack of strong enthusiasm or excitement. For example, "She gave a "lukewarm" endorsement to the plan".

What is the difference between "lukewarm" and "indifferent"?

"Lukewarm" implies a mild lack of enthusiasm or warmth, while "indifferent" suggests a complete lack of interest or concern. "Lukewarm" is a weaker sentiment than "indifferent".