indolent - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
indolent Word Meanings
- habitually lazy; avoiding work
- causing little or no pain
- slow to heal
indolent Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
indolent Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪndələnt/
US
/ˈɪndoʊlənt/
indolent Word Etymology
indolent = in- (not) + dolens (painful); from Latin 'indolens', meaning 'not feeling pain'. Imagine a cat lounging lazily in the sun, completely unfazed by the chaos around it.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Indolent is an adjective used for people or things that prefer to avoid effort or work; it can describe a habitually lazy attitude, but it can also refer to something that causes little or no pain or to a condition that heals slowly. In everyday use, indolent people are not merely busy or tired; they avoid activity as a matter of habit or temperament, not a temporary mood. The term can be slightly formal or literary, and it often contrasts with industrious or energetic. A cat basking in the sun while chaos roars around it is indolent in spirit, calmly indifferent to the bustle.
Usage Reminders
- Indolent has three main senses: habitual laziness, absence of pain, and slow healing.
- Use in formal or literary contexts more than everyday speech.
- Pair with opposites like industrious, active, or diligent to show contrast.
- Medical uses appear with disease or tumor descriptions (indolent tumor).
- Avoid overgeneralizing to people who are temporarily tired or busy.
- Note tone when writing: it can sound judgmental if misused.
Common Misconceptions
- Indolent means simply not willing to work in every situation.
- It always refers to people, never to things or diseases.
- Indolent equals slow because of pain or illness alone.
- Using indolent to describe casual laziness is always correct.
- Indolent and lazy are interchangeable in medical contexts.
Thinking Differences
Meta: English speakers tend to view indolent as a more formal, nuanced term than lazy, often implying a steady attitude rather than a temporary lack of energy.
Learning Tips
- Note the three senses (habitual laziness, little pain, slow healing) and practice with example sentences.
- Compare with lazy and slothful to feel subtle differences.
- Watch for formal tone cues in fiction or medical writing.
- Use collocations: indolent pace, indolent attitude, indolent tumor.
- Practice translating into or from your language to feel nuance.
- Read a few sentences aloud to sense the tone shift.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'indolent'?
A.Energetic
B.Happy
C.Lazy
D.Sad
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'indolent' correctly?
A.They all admired his indolent and hardworking nature.
B.She was full of energy and never indolent.
C.The indolent puppy played energetically in the park.
D.He was always indolent and procrastinated on his work.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'indolent':
A.Active
B.Hardworking
C.Slothful
D.Industrious
Step 4: Opposite Words
Select the opposite of 'indolent':
A.Energetic
B.Efficient
C.Ambitious
D.Productive
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'indolent'?
A.Referring to a lazy person who avoids work
B.Describing a hardworking student
C.Talking about a productive team leader
D.Discussing an efficient worker
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