Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about lukewarm (AI summary)

The term "lukewarm" has been used in literature with a remarkable versatility, functioning both as a literal description of moderate temperatures and as a metaphor for indifference or half-heartedness. In some works, such as à Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ ([1], [2], [3]), "lukewarm" criticizes a spiritual or emotional tepidness, suggesting a lack of passionate commitment. Conversely, other texts employ it in its literal sense: etiquette guides and cookery manuals detail precise requirements for water temperature in washing or culinary preparations ([4], [5], [6], [7]). Meanwhile, in political and social commentary, authors like Thomas Jefferson and Dostoyevsky juxtapose "lukewarm" attitudes against more extreme stances or ideologies ([8], [9], [10]). This dual usage underscores the term's evolution in literature, where it elegantly bridges the physical and the metaphorical to enrich both narrative texture and critical commentary.
  1. 7. What shall become of us at the end, if at the beginning we are lukewarm and idle?
    — from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas
  2. And unless I am helped by Thee and inwardly supported, I become altogether lukewarm and reckless.
    — from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas
  3. And so we remain lukewarm and unspiritual.
    — from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas
  4. Rinse in lukewarm water, dry and finish by pinning out.
    — from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
  5. Then transfer it wet to a lukewarm suds, wash and rinse it well, and dry and iron it.
    — from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
  6. —The water with which the teeth are cleansed should be what is called lukewarm.
    — from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
  7. [4], CHICKEN LIVERS [5]; COVER COMPLETELY WITH [a lukewarm, congealing] BROTH, PLACE ON ICE
    — from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius
  8. He has the Cant of an impatient Lover, but keeps the Pace of a Lukewarm one.
    — from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson
  9. You hear, better be cold, better be cold than lukewarm, than only lukewarm.
    — from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  10. “‘So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
    — from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy