Torpid means slowmoving or happening at a low speed, inactivenot moving, working, or being used, or mentally dull. It can also describe an animal or body that is in a state of lowered activity or suspendedtemporarily stopped or put on hold rest.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈtɔːr.pɪd/
Easy pronunciation: TOR-pid (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: TOR-pid.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Torpid Meaning
very slow, inactive, or mentally dull
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: slow and apathetic; lacking energy, alertness, or responsiveness
Example: After the long meeting, everyone felt torpid and ready to go home.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- sluggish — A close everyday substitute for the general sense of being slow and inactive.
- inert — Works in some contexts, especially for something not moving or not reacting, but is less natural for people than 'sluggish'.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Torpid
Meaning 2
in a very inactive resting state
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
Example: The torpid bear stayed hidden through the winter.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- dormant — A good match for something inactive but capable of becoming active again.
- hibernating — Works when talking about animals in winter rest.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Torpid Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- sluggish
- inert
in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
- dormant
- hibernating
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using torpid to mean simply tired; it usually suggests deeper sluggishness, apathy, or inactivity.
- Mixing up torpid with dormant: dormant usually means inactive for a time, while torpid often emphasizes sluggishness or reduced responsiveness.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does torpid mean in simple English?
Torpid means slow, inactive, or mentally dull. It can also describe an animal in a resting or suspended state.
What is a good synonym for torpid?
For the everyday meaning, sluggish is the best synonym. In a biological sense, dormant can also work.
Is torpid the same as dormant?
Not exactly. Dormant usually means inactive but able to become active again, while torpid often means sluggish, dull, or partly inactive.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
