Thursday, May 12, 2011

lassitude

lassitude [ˈlæsɪˌtud, -ˌtyud] n.

1.) The condition of being weary whether in body or mind; a flagging of the bodily or mental powers; indifference to exertion; weariness; an instance of this (Oxford English Dictionary 2nd Edition).

Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus, weary.

"That when a thing lies still, unlesse somewhat els stirre it, it will lye still for ever, is a truth that no man doubts of. But that when a thing is in motion, it will eternally be in motion, unless somewhat els stay it, though the reason be the same, (namely, that nothing can change it selfe,) is not so easily assented to. For men measure, not onely other men, but all other things, by themselves: and because they find themselves subject after motion to pain, and lassitude, think every thing els growes weary of motion, and seeks repose of its own accord; little considering, whether it be not some other motion, wherein that desire of rest they find in themselves, consisteth" (Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes, 1651).

Leviathan: Title Page, Abraham Bosse, 1651

22 comments:

BTN Hip Hop said...

Its a great word.
I prefer ebullition from yesterday however.

Nicole Leigh Shaw said...

Desirous of an upbeat attitude,
Yet oftentimes I find my lassitude,
Cripples my emotional aptitude,
'Til I seek a tropical latitude.

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your vocabulary builder. I'm not a slouch; I am familiar with most of what you post here. But you've thrown me a few surprises and the etymological bits are fun.

DEZMOND said...

oooh, I know this word, I actually came upon it in one of the books I've been translating recently for my publisher.

shari said...

Garfield the Cat was filled with lassitude, wasn't he?

I'm with Nicole. Get me to a warm beach, and I'm filled with energy. I'm so glad spring is here... my winter lassitude dissipates and I can enjoy my woodsy walks again!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

FINALLY! A word I know. Both from reading and from experience.

Zombie said...

I always feel very lassitude after work. lol.

Patti D. said...

very nice word, keep them coming.

Melanie said...

I am full of it today!

Endless said...

It is LA-TI-TU-DE! get it right!

=D

Solsby Kid said...

Great word, i use it whenever i can...

PeaceLoveandSharpies said...

ZOMG! I actually knows this word!
*shall be feeling like a smarticle for the rest of the day*

Kicking Rocks said...

o so thats what it is then...i always thought it meant went lassie was out running she would go through the lassitude...

Alexandra said...

great word :-D

Meri said...

I am totally feeling this one today. It's a rainy day and I'm sleepy. very appropriate!

Twenty.Something said...

Totally suits my mood!

And yes - of course guys can wear scarves in the summer!

Jesse Crows said...

i bet if i could use this in public, ill look like a genius

M Pax said...

Love the old English.

I'm feeling a certain amount of lassitude right now ... need more coffee.

Unknown said...

Lassitude. I love this word as well. Laconic and lassitude are two words that I enjoy saying. I don't know why I enjoy those words as I do...

themajessty said...

GOOD WORD.

Nice picture.

Anonymous said...

Never used it before, I'm looking for the equivalent word in my language :P

Intraman said...

i have a poster with that cover of the leviathan in my room :) i just love how the sovereign's body is made out of smaller people

Once Upon A Time... said...

thanks for the correction mr.vocabulary! I'm tempted to give you some maltese words and check you out while you write them haha!

happy weekend,

jos xx

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