What does languidly mean?
Languidly means slowly and without apparent energy, often in a relaxed, graceful, or deliberately unhurried way. The adverb is especially suited to descriptions of movement, speech, or posture: a person may stretch languidly, speak languidly, or lie languidly in the sun. It carries both attractive and critical associations. In literary or romantic contexts, it can suggest elegance, ease, and sensual relaxation, as though the subject is moving at their own pace and unconcerned by the world around them. In less favourable contexts, it may suggest laziness, apathy, or a lack of enthusiasm. Because the word is stylistically expressive rather than neutral, careful writers often use it when the unusual slowness or manner of an action is itself significant.
adverbIn a slow, relaxed, and listless manner, without energy or enthusiasm.
- In a slow, relaxed, and listless manner, without energy, vigour, or enthusiasm.
"She languidly stretched her arms and reached for another book."
"The cat languidly watched the birds through the open window."
"He spoke languidly, as if each word cost him more effort than he was willing to spend."
Languidly captures the deliberate slowness of someone who seems to have decided that hurry is simply not worth the effort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does languidly come from?
The adverb comes from the adjective languid, which was borrowed from Latin languidus, a word associated with weakness, faintness, and listlessness. The underlying Latin root is related to langue, meaning faint, weak, or sluggish, and also to the sense of being stretched out or left to lie at ease. English adopted languid in the seventeenth century, and languidly was formed later by adding the standard adverbial suffix -ly.
Related word forms
How languidly is actually used
Languidly is literary in tone and often suggests deliberate grace, relaxed sensuality, or a conspicuous lack of energy. It can be approving when it describes an elegant, unhurried manner, but it may also imply laziness or indifference when used critically.