What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lukewarm
Example
The soup was lukewarm, so I asked the waiter to heat it up. [lukewarm: adjective]
Example
I received a lukewarm response to my proposal, which made me feel uncertain. [lukewarm: adjective]
Example
She felt lukewarm about the idea of going to the party, but decided to go anyway. [lukewarm: adjective]
tepid
Example
The bathwater was tepid, so I added some hot water to make it warmer. [tepid: adjective]
Example
He gave a tepid performance during the audition, which disappointed the judges. [tepid: adjective]
Example
Her reaction to the news was tepid, which surprised her friends. [tepid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lukewarm and tepid are both relatively common words in everyday language, but lukewarm is more commonly used to describe liquids or food, while tepid is more versatile and can be used to describe a wider range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lukewarm and tepid?
Both lukewarm and tepid are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts.
