VOCABULARY BUILDER
lassitude
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus weary; probably akin to Old English laet late — more at LATE
Date: 15th century
1: a condition of weariness or debility: FATIGUE
2: a condition of listlessness: LANGUOR
synonyms see LETHARGY
lethargy
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargia, from Late Latin lethargia, from Greek lēthargia, from lēthargos forgetful, lethargic, irregular from lēthē
Date: 14th century
1: abnormal drowsiness
2: the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent
synonyms LETHARGY, LANGUOR, LASSITUDE, STUPOR, TORPOR mean physical or mental inertness. LETHARGY implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs <months of lethargy followed my accident>. LANGUOR suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love <languor induced by a tropical vacation>. LASSITUDE stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health <a depression marked by lassitude>. STUPOR implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants <lapsed into an alcoholic stupor>. TORPOR implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness <a once alert mind now in a torpor>.
Source: The Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary