What does tepid mean?
Tepid describes warmth that is mild and insufficient: a drink may be tepid because it has cooled below a comfortable temperature, or a room may be tepid when it is only slightly warm. The word also has a strongly figurative sense of restrained or halfhearted support. A tepid reaction, policy, welcome, or performance suggests that something exists but lacks energy, conviction, or impact. This figurative use is often mildly critical, especially in reporting and formal commentary, although it can simply distinguish a moderate response from an enthusiastic one. Derived from the Latin word meaning lukewarm, tepid is useful when a speaker wants to characterize a temperature or attitude as unremarkable but not entirely cold. Its connotation is usually negative, especially when applied to decisions, promises, or efforts.
Slightly warm; neither hot nor cold.
"He drank the tepid coffee without complaint."
Often used for liquids, air, or bodily sensation, especially when the warmth is insufficient or has diminished.
Lacking enthusiasm, conviction, or effective support; halfhearted.
"The announcement was met with tepid approval."
Common in formal reporting and commentary concerning politics, business, culture, and public responses.
Tepid is the word for warmth that never quite commits—neither hot nor cold, nor fully enthusiastic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tepid come from?
Tepid entered English in the early 17th century from Latin tepidus, meaning lukewarm. The Latin word was related to tepere, “to be lukewarm” or “to be tepid.” Cognates survive in modern languages, including French tiède, Italian tiepido, and Portuguese tepido, reflecting the word's broad adoption throughout Romance languages.
Related word forms
How tepid is actually used
Tepid is formal to neutral in register. Its figurative use is especially common in political, business, and cultural contexts, where it suggests cautious or limited enthusiasm rather than outright rejection.
Easily confused with tepid
Lukewarm can describe a temperature that is only mildly warm, while tepid can do the same and also commonly describes a halfhearted response or lack of enthusiasm.