What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
languid
Example
She moved with a languid grace, as if every motion required great effort. [languid: adjective]
Example
The heat made him feel languid and unmotivated. [languid: adjective]
lethargic
Example
He felt lethargic and uninterested in anything that required effort. [lethargic: adjective]
Example
The medication made her feel lethargic and drowsy. [lethargic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lethargic is more commonly used than languid in everyday language. Lethargic is a more serious condition and is often used to describe physical or mental states related to fatigue or illness. Languid is less common and is often used to describe a more relaxed or dreamy state of mind.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between languid and lethargic?
Both languid and lethargic are formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, lethargic is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts, while languid is more commonly used in literature or artistic contexts.