What does indolence mean Meaning and Definition

What does indolence mean

What does indolence mean

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈdɒləns/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A state of being idle or inactive, often due to laziness or lack of motivation.

Etymology

From Latin iners, meaning “inactive” or “indolent”, and Greek λήθη (lēthē), meaning “forgetfulness” or “neglect”.

Usage Notes

Indolence can be used to describe an individual’s character or behavior, but it can also be used to describe a state of being in a particular environment or situation.

Cultural References

In Lope de Vega’s play “The Dog in the Manger”, the character Pedro de la Fuente is characterized as being indolent.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • To idle away one’s time
  • To lack motivation

Related Words or Phrases

  • Indolent
  • Lethargic
  • Lazy

Collocations

  • Indolence and sloth
  • Indolence and laziness

Frequency of Use

The word “indolence” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts to describe a state of being inactive or lacking motivation.

Common Misspellings

  • Indolince
  • Indolentness

Related Words