Gloss · Words · Lethargic vs languid
Lethargic vs languid
Lethargic is heavy and slow and does not want to be. Languid is slow on purpose, and rather elegant.
The difference
Lethargic is a complaint: no energy, no interest, everything an effort. It is the word for the day after the flu, or the whole office in August. Languid is slow with pleasure in it. A languid afternoon, a languid wave of the hand, a languid voice. The person could move faster and sees no reason to.
Lethargic
Sluggish and tired, with no energy to do anything.
The heat made everyone lethargic.
Languid
Slow and relaxed, without much energy.
She waved a languid hand toward the garden.
Which one to use
If you cannot get going, lethargic. If you are choosing not to, languid.
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