Vapid-Tepid | Commonly Confused Words
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Vapid vs. Tepid

Vapid

/ˈvæpəd/
Something that is dull or uninteresting.

Examples:

The conversation was utterly vapid, lacking depth.Her presentation felt vapid, offering no new insights.The novel was criticized for its vapid characters and plot.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Tepid

/ˈtepəd/
Moderately warm; lacking in enthusiasm or force

Examples:

The tepid applause suggested mild interest from the audience.He poured a tepid cup of coffee and winced at the taste.After hours on the table, the soup was tepid and unappealing.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Vapid contains the letter v which can remind you of the word vacant, indicating a lack of substance or interest.
  • Tepid shares its first two letters with temperature, and it often describes a lack of warmth or enthusiasm.
  • Think of vapid as something that can sap away your excitement, much like a void does.
  • Tepid can be associated with mild substances or emotions, not hot, not cold, and just lukewarm or indifferent.
  • Visualize vapid as something deflating excitement, while tepid reflects a mild and neutral state.
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