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Languorous

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(pronounced lang-guh-rus or lang-grus)  adjective

Definition

from the noun languor.

Languor  (pronounced lang-gur or lang-ur) =  1. lack of physical or mental vitality; weariness. 2. absence of interest or enthusiasm; inactivity; state of being spiritless or listless. 3. a sense of quiet or stillness that weighs heavily on the mind or spirits. [It suggests a sluggishness or disinclination to act as a result of climate, boredom, love, dreaminess, too much luxury, or a feeling of happy satisfaction.]

Main Example

• "Big Sue," the nickname for Lucian Freud's 1995 painting depicting an extremely obese, naked woman reclining on a couch languorously, fetched $34 million at an auction a couple of years ago, thus becoming the most expensive work of art by a living artist. Click here to look at a picture of the extremely fleshy "Big Sue" -- Sue Tilley in real life.

Workplace Examples

• Everyone is amazed by the CEO's transformation of our chemical business, which was badly ailing as recently as five years ago. By implementing some really smart moves, he lifted it out of its languor and made it hugely profitable.
• Yeah, I too have noticed that Joel has not been his go-getter self lately. Gone is the over-enthusiastic, thunderous wielding of his cost-cutting agenda. This morning, for instance, during the VP's presentation, Joel was uncharacteristically quiet and preoccupied, just sitting there kind of languorously. Is he in love or something?

Other Examples

• on being asked which are the best months for sightseeing here in Houston, this author saying: "Anytime is fine except during June, July, and August--our three most languorous months--when the heat and humidity make being outdoors pretty uncomfortable."
• a romantic film that has been shot in some alluring and languorous locations in South East Asia; to be overcome with languor after a rich, seven-course meal; the languorous pace of baseball versus the athleticism of basketball
• at a zoo, adults joining children in making all kinds of playful sounds to try and get a stir from the lions stretched out languorously
• in a speech delivered to the European Parliament, perhaps in reference to the Continent's 35-hour work weeks and the enormous amount of time some young people spend in cafes and piazzas, Britain's then-Prime Minister Tony Blair warning European nations to wake up from their languor or risk being obliterated by the stiff new competition from China and India

© 2010 V.J. Singal
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