Make Your Point > Archived Issues > LANGUID

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"LANGUID" Meaning: Something languid is very weak or very inactive, or lazy and slow, as if it's sick or exhausted. Abstractly, something languid is lifeless, not vivid, and not forceful. But languid things might also just be lazy in a relaxed, peaceful way. Pronunciation: LANG gwid Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a languid afternoon.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The afternoon was languid.”) Other forms: Languidly, languidness. There's also the verb "languish," meaning to get weaker or to get less lively, but it's such a useful word on its own that we'll take a look at it separately later. How to use it: This word is a bit poetic. Your meaning might be critical: "a languid stock market," "a languid attitude," "a languid rate of improvement." But more commonly, "languid" carries that last meaning I mentioned: peaceful, relaxed, slow, and lazy in a pleasant way. Although you can say that a person is languid, more often you talk about languid actions, languid movements, languid colors, languid writing, languid conversations, languid music, languid summer days by the pool, and so on. The adverb "languidly" is great for describing lazy, unhurried actions: the teenagers languidly sauntered through the mall, she was stretched out languidly on the couch while reading, the story's plot wandered languidly through several chapters, etc. This movie has an amazing soundtrack, but I can't get past the languid dialogue. It's so dull! At our favorite beach park, a rock wall bears the brunt of the waves, and I feel safe letting my daughter play in the languid little ripples of the water. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "languid" means when you can explain it without saying "no vitality" or "sluggish." Think of something you've noticed that moves really slowly--either in a beautiful way or an irritating way--, and fill in the blanks: "The languid pace of _____ is _____."  Example about something beautiful: "The languid pace of Hawaiian culture is something that takes getting used to." Example about something irritating: "The languid pace of this music is really not helpful, since I'm trying to stay awake at the wheel." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Throughout September, with the gracious permission of author Dr. Barbara Ann Kipfer, we sampled some English language trivia from Word Nerd: More Than 17,000 Fascinating Facts about Words.  Yesterday's question: It’s the only word in English that consists of two letters used three times each. What is it? Answer: Deeded. Our October game references some material that may be protected by copyright. I appreciate your understanding as I err on the side of caution by not publishing it here! A Point Well Made: Thomas Glovich: “As individuals and as a society, we should be less accepting of superstition and sloppy thinking, and should strive to develop those ‘habits of mind’ that promote a more accurate view of the world.” 1. One opposite of LANGUID is A. VIVACIOUS B. SOLID C. PUNCTUAL 2. By his languid nod, we could tell _____. A. that he hadn't been listening at all B. how thrilled he was to be accepting our offer C. that he probably didn't care too much one way or the other Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. C