acedia

[uh-see-dee-uh]

acedia Definition

a state of listlessness or torpor, of not caring or not being concerned with one's position or condition in the world.

Using acedia: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "acedia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She was overcome by acedia and couldn't bring herself to do anything.

  • Example

    The monks struggled with acedia during their long periods of solitude.

  • Example

    Acedia is often seen as a spiritual malaise, a lack of engagement with the divine.

acedia Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with acedia

  • a term used by Christian monks to describe the temptation of acedia during the middle of the day

    Example

    The noonday devil of acedia can be a difficult obstacle for those living a monastic life.

  • a sin associated with acedia, characterized by laziness or idleness

    Example

    Sloth is one of the seven deadly sins, often associated with acedia.

  • acedia without study, a form of acedia that arises from a lack of intellectual engagement

    Example

    Acedia sine studio can be a common problem for students who are not challenged enough in their studies.

Origins of acedia

from Greek 'akēdia', meaning 'negligence'

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Summary: acedia in Brief

'Acedia' [uh-see-dee-uh] refers to a state of listlessness or torpor, where one does not care about their position or condition in the world. It is often seen as a spiritual malaise, and is associated with phrases like 'noonday devil' and 'sloth.' 'Acedia sine studio' is a form of acedia that arises from a lack of intellectual engagement. Synonyms include 'apathy,' 'indifference,' 'lethargy,' 'torpor,' and 'listlessness.'