Do you know the definition of vapid? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word vapid, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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Kevin
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April 29, 2021
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What does the word vapid mean?
According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and Dictionary, the word vapid (pronounced ˈvæpɪd) is an adjective that describes something that is flat, insipid, or without any liveliness or spirit. This can be used to describe anything that is boring or dull. The word vapid is often used to describe discussions, such as vapid conversation or vapid talk. It can also be used to describe something that is physically flat or lacking flavor, like vapid beer or a vapid tea.
Many different languages also use words that mean vapid. You may notice that some of these words look and sound similar to each other. This is likely because they are of a common origin. Oftentimes cognates, which are words that look, sound, and mean the same or similar things, come from a common root. This list of translations for the word vapid is provided by Word Sense.
- Spanish: soso, bobo, memo, papanatas, pavitonto, zoquete, sin vida
- Finnish: mitäänsanomaton, mielenkiinnoton, tympeä
- Swedish: andefattig, tråkig
- French: amorphe, inintéressant, insignifiant, niais, gourde, terne, bête, couillon, cucul, cucul-la-praline, mièvre
- Faroese: einkisigandi
- Serbo-Croatian: isprazan, beznačajan, banalan, bezvezan
- German: nichtssagend, geistlos, flach, kraftlos
- Russian: ску́чный
- Italian: insulso, scipito
- Walloon: tantaloye (masc.) (fem.)
What are synonyms and antonyms for the word vapid?
There are a variety of different words that one can use in place of the word vapid. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are very useful to know if you are trying not to repeat yourself or if you are looking to expand your vocabulary. This list of synonyms for the word vapid is provided by Thesaurus.
- nowhere
- stale
- driveling
- moth-eaten
- Milquetoast
- humdrum
- dull
- dead
- zero
- monotonous
- inane
- tiresome
- interminable
- mundane
- colorless
- uninspiring
- wishy-washy
- commonplace
- bland
- characterless
- innocuous
- routine
- lifeless
- flavorless
- bromidic
- spiritless
- arid
- well-worn
- drag
- nothing
- unpalatable
- insipid
- prosaic
- tasteless
- jejune
- cloying
- flat
- stuffy
- platitudinous
- irksome
- threadbare
- tame
- flat tire
- stupid
- weak
- ho hum
- boring
- watery
- tedious
- limp
- tiring
- drudging
- unimaginative
- plebeian
- uninteresting
- stereotyped
- stodgy
- repetitious
- vacant
- bummer
- unvaried
- unexciting
- least
- trite
- milk-and-water
- drab
- vacuous
- bomb
- wearisome
There are also numerous different words that mean the opposite of the word vapid. These are called antonyms. Antonyms are another useful English grammatical device to know as they can help one expand their vocabulary and add variety to their sentences. This list of antonyms for the word vapid is also provided by Thesaurus.
- readable
- breathtaking
- rousing
- compelling
- sensational
- intriguing
- heady
- wild
- enthralling
- attractive
- alluring
- charismatic
- neat
- astonishing
- impressive
- lively
- affecting
- bracing
- arousing
- thought-provoking
- entertaining
- racy
- exhilarating
- mind-blowing
- winning
- engaging
- stirring
- magnetic
- curious
- fine
- groovy
- commoving
- delightful
- pleasurable
- captivating
- amusing
- hair-raising
- overpowering
- riveting
- flashy
- engrossing
- intoxicating
- dangerous
- suspicious
- stimulating
- hectic
- electrifying
- zestful
- titillating
- prepossessing
- animating
- gripping
- inspiring
- lovely
- appealing
- arresting
- melodramatic
- gracious
- provocative
- interesting
- rip-roaring
- exciting
- absorbing
- exotic
- exhilarant
- enchanting
- showy
- striking
- elegant
- dramatic
- overwhelming
- fascinating
- unusual
- moving
- far-out
- exceptional
- thrilling
- entrancing
- pleasing
- beautiful
- impelling
- refreshing
- spine-tingling
- eye-popping
- inviting
- agitative
What is the origin of the word vapid?
According to Etymonline, the word vapid has been used since the 1650s to refer to flat or insipid drinks. The word vapid comes from the Latin vapidus meaning flat or insipid, which literally means “that which has exhaled its vapor.” This word is related to the Latin vappa, which is a noun meaning stale wine, and likely to vapor, a Latin term that we still use today. This has been applied in a figurative context since 1758 with regard to talk and writing that is lifeless. Related words include the adverb vapidly and the nouns vapidness and vapidity.
How can the word vapid be used in a sentence?
The word vapid can be used in many different sentences and contexts to describe things that are flat and dull. In this first example, the word vapid will be used literally. In this example, Ryan and Gavin are getting ready to watch a football game.
Gavin: Hey dude, could you pass me a beer from that cooler?
Ryan: Sure thing! Here you go.
Gavin: Ugh, gross.
Ryan: What’s up?
Gavin: I think this one got opened, it’s a little vapid.
Here, Gavin uses the word vapid to describe something that is physically flat and tasteless, a beer. In this next example, the word vapid will be used to describe something figuratively. Lacie calls her best friend after her first night away at camp.
Friend: Lacie! How was your first night!
Lacie: Awful. Terrible. The worst. I hate it here.
Friend: What’s wrong?
Lacie: No one talks about anything. It’s all vapid nonsense about what boy they want to hook up with in the lake. I didn’t come to coding camp to mess around.
Friend: Oh come on, live a little! It’s summer break, let yourself have fun!
Here, Lacie uses the word vapid to describe the conversations that her fellow campers are having. She thinks that their topics of conversation are boring and pointless.
Overall, the word vapid is an adjective that is used to describe things that are boring, dull, or lacking flavor. This word can be used literally to describe a carbonated beverage that has gone flat as well as figuratively to describe something that is dull or boring. This trending, versatile term is often used in English language conversations.
Sources:
- https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/vapid
- https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/interesting
- https://www.wordsense.eu/vapid/#:~:text=vapid%20%2D%20lifeless%2C%20dull%2C%20or%20banal&text=(fem.)
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/vapid
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vapid#:~:text=%3A%20lacking%20flavor%2C%20zest%2C%20interest,all%20vapid%20dissipation%E2%80%94%20V.%20S.%20Pritchett
- https://www.dictionary.com/browse/vapid
