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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.
  1. "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
  2. “Yes, it was very odd,” Olive agreed tepidly.
    — from The Jervaise Comedy by J. D. (John Davys) Beresford
  3. “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
  4. Alice seconded her cousin's invitation tepidly, without any enthusiasm.
    — from The Vision Splendid by William MacLeod Raine
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. A grey haze had blotted out the sun and the still air clung about him tepidly.
    — from The Reef by Edith Wharton
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. "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
  11. Personally I am tepidly in favor of woman suffrage.
    — from The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume VI

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