Word of the Day - 07/04/26
indolent
/'ɪndələnt/(adj.): disinclined to work or exertion
The indolent man spent his days lounging on the sofa, avoiding all chores and responsibilities.
(adj.): (of tumors, e.g.) slow to heal or develop and usually painless
The indolent lesion showed no signs of progression over several months, which was both a relief and a concern for the doctors.
Word Origin
The word 'indolent' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Late Latin word 'indolens'. This term is composed of 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'dolere', meaning 'to feel pain'. Initially, 'indolent' meant 'free from pain'. Its meaning evolved to describe someone disinclined to exertion or lazy, suggesting a lack of discomfort or motivation to act.
Words with similar origins that share the Latin root 'dolere' (to feel pain) include 'doleful', meaning mournful or full of sorrow; 'condole', which means to express sympathy for someone's suffering; and 'dolorous', meaning feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress.