z Synonyms for indolent include sluggish, idle, ODFNDGDLVLFDO,
languid, lethargic, listless, and slothful.Torpor (noun)
Sluggishness; a state of mental or physical inactivity; lethargy, apathy.Torpid (adjective)
Slow, sluggish, lethargic, dull, benumbed.z Torpor and torpid come from the Latin word torpeo, meaning “to
be numb, inactive, or dull.” The ancient Romans used this word to
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century, the English used the word torpedo for the same type of
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chose the name torpedo IRU WKH ÀRDWLQJ GHYLFH KH LQYHQWHG WKDW
exploded on contact with a ship, although today we would call such
devices mines.z Consider torpor and torpid in the following context sentences: (1)
“The teenage boys were aroused from their torpor by the promise of
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of the torpid economic growth following the recession.” You might
also hear these words used to describe the mind and ideas, as in:
“Not having read or discussed anything stimulating for more than
40 years, his mind had grown torpid from lack of use.”Turbid (adjective)
- Muddy, thick, or opaque with sediment; obscured; clouded.
- Confused, muddled, disordered.
z Torpid and torpor are commonly confused with turbid and turgid.
Turbid is often used to describe roiled, muddy water or liquid that’s
heavy, thick, and dense, as in: “The turbid river, full of mud and