Literary notes about tepidly (AI summary)
The word "tepidly" in literary writing is often employed to convey a sense of lukewarmness, ambivalence, or restrained emotion. It might modify dialogue, suggesting responses that lack passion or warmth, as when a character replies tepidly to a remark [1][2][3] or exhibits a half-hearted agreement [4][5][6]. In other passages, the term colors descriptions of environments or dispositions, invoking atmospheres that are subtly indifferent or stagnant, much like the air described as tepidly stagnant [7][8]. Additionally, it can nuance character traits, indicating a polite yet unenthusiastic demeanor in attitudes and relationships, from tepidly affectionate behavior [9] to a mildly approving tone [10][11]. Overall, "tepidly" functions as a refined literary tool to indicate emotional restraint and a gentle lack of fervor.
- "I think Mrs. Varick is sorry to see that you have broken your promise," said Kindelon, shortly and tepidly.
— from The Adventures of a Widow: A Novel by Edgar Fawcett - “Yes, it was very odd,” Olive agreed tepidly.
— from The Jervaise Comedy by J. D. (John Davys) Beresford - “I hope you managed to get a little sleep, Mr. Melhuish,” Mrs. Jervaise said tepidly.
— from The Jervaise Comedy by J. D. (John Davys) Beresford - Alice seconded her cousin's invitation tepidly, without any enthusiasm.
— from The Vision Splendid by William MacLeod Raine - It was obvious that he was tepidly in love with Maud, or rather that he was anxious she should be in love with him.
— from The Romance of His Life, and Other Romances by Mary Cholmondeley - Despite her affection for her son, Mrs. Kincaid was but tepidly interested in the career that engrossed him.
— from The Man Who Was Good by Leonard Merrick - A grey haze had blotted out the sun and the still air clung about him tepidly.
— from The Reef by Edith Wharton - The peculiar moving hush and tepidly stagnant air of a sick-room penetrated even through the panels.
— from Joan of the Sword Hand by S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett - Lady Isabel, so easy-going and tepidly affectionate towards her children, was adamant where her social creed was concerned.
— from Consequences by E. M. Delafield - "When old Mike has a spell," went on Uncle Abner, tepidly garrulous, "he thinks he's the Wanderin' Jew."
— from Sixes and Sevens by O. Henry - Personally I am tepidly in favor of woman suffrage.
— from The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume VI