The Origin of the Word Lukewarm
The word lukewarm is an adjective used to describe something that is neither hot nor cold. The word itself has a long and interesting history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The word lukewarm is derived from the Old English word 'hlēow' which means tepid or warm. In Old English, the word was used to describe water that was just warm enough to bathe in.
The word 'lukewarm' first appeared in the English language in the 14th century, and it was commonly used to describe water that was not hot enough for a bath or not cold enough for drinking. Over time, the word has come to be used to describe anything that is not quite hot or cold, including emotions, attitudes, and opinions.
The Biblical Reference to Lukewarm
The term 'lukewarm' is also used in a biblical context. In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John wrote to the church of Laodicea:
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Here, 'lukewarm' is used to describe a spiritual state of indifference, where one is not fully committed to God. This reference has given the word 'lukewarm' a negative connotation, as it implies a lack of passion or enthusiasm.
The Use of Lukewarm in Literature
The word 'lukewarm' has been used by many authors and poets throughout history. In Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, the character Polonius describes Hamlet's love for Ophelia as 'lukewarm.' In John Milton's Paradise Lost, Satan is described as 'lukewarm in his hatred' towards God. The word has also been used in modern literature, such as in the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
The Use of Lukewarm in Everyday Language
The word 'lukewarm' is commonly used in everyday language to describe things that are not quite hot or cold. For example, a cup of coffee that has been sitting out for a while may be described as lukewarm. The word can also be used to describe someone's attitude or enthusiasm. For instance, a person who is not fully committed to a project may be described as having a lukewarm attitude towards it.
In Conclusion
The word 'lukewarm' has a long and interesting history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The word is derived from the Old English word 'hlēow' which means tepid or warm. Over time, the word has come to be used to describe anything that is not quite hot or cold, including emotions, attitudes, and opinions. The biblical reference to 'lukewarm' has given the word a negative connotation, implying a lack of passion or enthusiasm. Despite this, the word remains a common part of everyday language, used to describe everything from coffee to people's attitudes.