Indolent
Meaning
Someone who is indolent is habitually lazy and unwilling to exert themselves or engage in activity.
Origin
The word 'indolent' might sound like it means 'not feeling pain,' and initially, it did! Rooted in the Latin 'indolens,' combining 'in-' (not) with 'dolere' (to suffer pain), it first arrived in English in the 17th century describing something painless—like a tumor that caused no discomfort. But over time, the human mind made a subtle, yet powerful, leap. If one feels no 'pain' or aversion to remaining idle, no 'pain' in avoiding effort, then the path to habitual laziness becomes clear. By the 18th century, 'indolent' had shed its medical past, transforming into a descriptor for those who simply couldn't be bothered, embodying a leisurely aversion to all things active.
Examples
- His indolent nature made him prefer lounging on the sofa to helping with household chores.
- The heat often made the office workers feel indolent, wishing for a cool breeze and a nap.