lukewarm

IPA/ˌluːkˈwɔːm/
KK[lˈukwˈɔrm]IPA/ˌluːkˈwɔːrm/

lukewarm — adjective

  • lukewarmpositive
  • more lukewarmcomparative
  • most lukewarmsuperlative

1. used to describe a drink, liquid, or food that has been heated just enough to lo

1.形容詞B1
釋義

used to describe a drink, liquid, or food that has been heated just enough to lose its coldness but is still not hot enough to be satisfying or pleasant.

例句

Asher poured himself a cup of coffee, but it was lukewarm and tasted bitter.

collocation: lukewarm coffee / tea / bathwater

The bathwater that Lisa had drawn turned lukewarm while she answered the phone.

同義詞
  • tepid

    more formal; often used in scientific or technical descriptions of water temperature

  • warmish

    informal and less common; sounds more positive than lukewarm

反義詞
  • hot

    the opposite end of the temperature scale

  • scalding

    extremely hot; much stronger than lukewarm

常見錯誤

❌The bath water is warm' (when meaning it is not hot enough).
✅The bath water is lukewarm
💡'lukewarm' means only slightly warm, not comfortably warm like 'warm'.

2. used to describe a reaction, attitude, or level of support that shows very littl

2.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a reaction, attitude, or level of support that shows very little excitement, energy, or genuine interest.

例句

The audience gave the performer only lukewarm applause after he finished his act.

collocation: lukewarm applause / response / welcome

Pedro's proposal received a lukewarm response from the committee during the meeting.

同義詞
  • half-hearted

    similar meaning but focuses more on lack of effort rather than lack of feeling

  • unenthusiastic

    more direct and less metaphorical than lukewarm

  • indifferent

    stronger; suggests the person has no opinion or care at all

反義詞
  • enthusiastic

    the direct opposite — showing strong excitement and interest

  • eager

    implies a keen desire to participate or support

文法句型

lukewarm + about + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Unlike the literal sense 1, which applies to liquids and food, this figurative sense describes reactions, attitudes, or enthusiasm levels. Can be used predicatively with 'about' (e.g., 'She was lukewarm about the plan').

常見錯誤

❌He gave a warm response to the suggestion' (when meaning not enthusiastic).
✅He gave a lukewarm response to the suggestion
💡'lukewarm' means showing little excitement, while 'warm' means positive and supportive.