Word of the Day: INDOLENT

Pronunciation: UK /ˈɪn.dəl.ənt/
US /ˈɪn.dəl.ənt/

Meaning

Indolent describes someone who is habitually lazy or avoids making an effort. It can also describe a relaxed, inactive way of life.

Examples for daily usage

  • He was too indolent to finish the work he had promised to do.
  • The hot afternoon made everyone feel slow and indolent.
  • The doctor explained that the condition was indolent and progressing slowly.

Origin and history

The word indolent entered English in the 17th century, initially meaning “painless” or “causing no pain”. It came from the French indolent or directly from Late Latin indolentem.

The Latin word combines in-, meaning “not”, with dolens, meaning “suffering” or “feeling pain”, from dolere, meaning “to suffer or feel pain”.

The sense of laziness developed later, around the early 18th century, possibly through the idea of avoiding effort or trouble.

Also Read: Word of the Day, October 14: ‘Hapax legomenon’

Cultural significance and modern usage

In everyday English, indolent is a more formal word than lazy. It often appears in descriptions of characters in novels, particularly those who avoid responsibility or prefer comfort to hard work.

The word can also describe a general atmosphere. An indolent afternoon, for instance, suggests a slow, unhurried period when little gets done.

In medicine, however, indolent is not a judgement about someone's character. An indolent condition is one that develops or progresses slowly. The meaning depends entirely on the context.

Interesting facts

Indolence is the noun form, while indolently is the adverb.

The opposite of indolence is not simply busyness. 

The word can describe weather or an atmosphere, not just a person. An indolent mood suggests a lack of energy or urgency.

Examples from literature

  • “his is a quiet, indolent, gentlemanlike sort of pride that would harm nobody”— Jane Austen, Emma

Synonyms

  • Lazy
  • Idle
  • Sluggish
  • Inactive
  • Lethargic
  • Slothful

Antonyms

  • Diligent
  • Industrious
  • Hard-working
  • Energetic
  • Active
  • Conscientious

Read more Word of the Day here.