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tibio

lukewarm

adjective TEE-byoh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Origin: From Latin tepidus (lukewarm), via an intermediate form with metathesis.

Also means

tepid

Usage Note

Tibio describes a temperature between cold and warm—neither hot nor cold—and figuratively a half-hearted attitude or a lukewarm response (una reacción tibia). In some Latin American countries, calling someone tibio is an insult meaning cowardly or uncommitted. The feminine is tibia.

Examples

"El café estaba tibio cuando llegué."

Natural Translation

The coffee was lukewarm when I arrived.

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