How Do You Spell LUKEWARM?

Pronunciation: [lˈuːkwɔːm] (IPA)

The American English spelling of "lukewarm" can be a bit tricky, but its IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify its pronunciation: /ˈluːkˌwɔrm/. The word means something that's only slightly warm, or not enthusiastic or passionate. Its origins stem from the Old English term "hleow," which meant "tepid." While the "e" before the "w" might seem odd, it actually helps to pronounce the "ew" dipthong correctly. So remember, it's spelled "lukewarm," but it's pronounced /ˈluːkˌwɔrm/.

LUKEWARM Meaning and Definition

1. Lukewarm is an adjective that describes something that is moderately warm or tepid in temperature. It refers to an object or substance that is neither hot nor cold, but rather lies somewhere in the middle. The term is used to describe a temperature that is slightly warm or only slightly above room temperature.

   The word "lukewarm" can also be applied metaphorically to describe an attitude or feeling that is lacking intensity or enthusiasm. In this sense, it refers to a state of mild interest or indifference. For instance, if someone expresses lukewarm interest in a particular topic, it means they are moderately interested, but not overly excited or passionate about it.

   In addition to temperature and attitude, "lukewarm" can also be used to describe food or beverages. It implies a state where the item is not hot or cold, but instead has cooled down to a moderate temperature. For example, a cup of lukewarm coffee would be cooler than a freshly brewed one, but not yet completely cold.

   Overall, "lukewarm" is a versatile word that encompasses the notions of mildly warm temperature, moderate interest, and moderate warmth or coolness in food or drinks.

2. Only moderately warm; tepid; not zealons; cool; indifferent.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LUKEWARM

• likewarm
• leukwarm
• kukewarm
• pukewarm
• oukewarm
• lykewarm
• lhkewarm
• ljkewarm
• l8kewarm
• l7kewarm
• lujewarm
• lukewram
• mylkewarm
• lukewarme
• Flukewurm
• Flukewarm

Etymology of LUKEWARM

The word "lukewarm" traces its origins back to Middle English. It combines the root words "luke" and "warm".

The word "luke" is derived from the Old English word "hlēowe", meaning tepid or warm. In Middle English, "luke" evolved to "leuk" or "lewk", which still referred to something warm or tepid.

Similarly, "warm" originates from the Old English word "weorm", which had the same meaning. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of "weorm" transformed into "warm" in Middle English.

Eventually, these two words, "luke" and "warm", were combined to form "lukewarm" to describe something moderately warm or tepid.

Similar spelling word for LUKEWARM

• lukewarmly.