torpid

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "torpid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a state of being slow, inactive, or dull. For example, "The torpid river slowly wound its way through the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or there's Ed Cowan, master of the gritty, run-every-10-balls knock that finishes in the mid-20s, a strokeplayer so torpid he's more like a specialist nightwatchman than a genuine top order batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

Though it still has a torpid air, Vientiane is growing fast in the hands of a Communist kleptocracy whose members queue up on Saturdays in their big cars to cross the Mekong for a dose of shopping across the border.

The Economist

Official media did talk up shares as "cheap" in the early days of the rally, but the government had tried for years without success to breathe life into the previously torpid market, cutting stock-trading taxes and freezing new listings to limit the supply of shares.

The Economist

Few would quarrel with efforts to clean up Hungary's torpid and sleazy public sector.

The Economist

He was a German scholar who launched himself in 1933, among charming but undirected English amateurs, into the torpid field of architectural history.

The Economist

The bureaucracy is torpid, state industries creaky and banks take a month to cash a cheque.

The Economist

The next few months may settle that question.Having seen how Mexico's exports have boomed under the 1994 North American Free-Trade Agreement, many other Latin American governments, faced with torpid economies, are desperate to get better access to the America market.

The Economist

They reaffirmed Mr Ouattara as the legitimate president but far from ending the crisis, this is expected to ratchet it up a further notch or two.On the verandah of a western ambassador's residence, a white rabbit flops down exhausted under armchair as the large overhead fans turn the torpid air.

The Economist

Torpid justice systems mean that many prisoners are on remand, yet to be convicted of any crime.

The Economist

That demands more frequent feeding.There is also the risk that, because deaf moths tend to remain torpid on vegetation while they are getting warmed up, their behaviour could make them more vulnerable to bat species which feed by swooping low over vegetation rather than by catching their prey in flight.

The Economist

Elsewhere in Britain, the housing market was torpid.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "torpid" when you want to describe something as being slow, inactive, or lacking energy, particularly when referring to a temporary state.

Common error

While "torpid" accurately describes inactivity, it's less suitable for situations requiring dynamism or excitement. Choose more active verbs or adjectives to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

"Torpid" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of reduced physical or mental activity. Ludwig AI confirms its adjectival nature, showcasing examples where it characterizes various subjects, from economies to animals, indicating a state of inactivity or sluggishness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "torpid" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is inactive, sluggish, or dormant. According to Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and very commonly used across various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral register. When writing, use "torpid" to effectively convey a temporary state of reduced activity, being mindful of contexts requiring dynamism. Consider synonyms like "lethargic" or "sluggish" for nuanced meanings. Ludwig provides ample examples to guide precise usage, ensuring clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lethargic

Focuses more on a lack of energy or enthusiasm.

sluggish

Emphasizes slowness in movement or function.

dormant

Implies a temporary state of inactivity, like hibernation.

inactive

A general term for not being active or engaged.

stagnant

Suggests a lack of progress or development.

listless

Highlights a lack of interest or motivation.

inert

Implies a lack of ability or will to move or act.

apathetic

Focuses on a lack of feeling or emotion.

languid

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried slowness.

heavy

Implies a slow and labored movement.

FAQs

How can I use "torpid" in a sentence?

You can use "torpid" to describe a state of inactivity or sluggishness, such as "The snake became "torpid" during the cold winter months" or "The economy remained "torpid" despite efforts to stimulate growth".

What words are similar in meaning to "torpid"?

Synonyms for "torpid" include "lethargic", "sluggish", "dormant", and "inactive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "torpid" to describe a person's behavior?

Yes, "torpid" can describe a person's behavior when they are lazy, apathetic, or lacking energy. For example, "After a large meal, he felt "torpid" and unwilling to move".

What is the difference between "torpid" and "lethargic"?

"Torpid" often implies a temporary state of inactivity or dormancy, while "lethargic" suggests a more prolonged or habitual lack of energy and enthusiasm.