What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indolent
Example
The indolent student never completed his assignments on time. [indolent: adjective]
Example
She lay indolently on the couch, watching TV all day. [indolently: adverb]
idle
Example
He was idle all day, not doing anything productive. [idle: adjective]
Example
The factory machines were left idle during the weekend. [idle: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idle is more commonly used than indolent in everyday language. Idle is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while indolent is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indolent and idle?
Both indolent and idle are considered formal words and are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, idle is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
