indolently
gb/ɪndoʊlˈɛntli/ us/ɪndoʊlˈɛntli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
literary
C1
property
1
in a lazy, idle way
In a lazy way, without trying hard.
Usage pattern:
indolently + [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse it with similar-sounding words like "independently" or use "indolent" (adjective) where an adverb is needed.
Synonyms
lazily (More common and neutral.)
|
idly (Emphasizes doing nothing in particular.)
|
listlessly (Suggests low energy or interest.)
Antonyms
energetically (With a lot of energy and effort.)
|
industriously (Working hard and steadily.)
|
diligently (With careful, persistent effort.)
Collocations
indolently lounging
|indolently reclining
|indolently watching
|indolently scrolling
|indolently sitting
|indolently drifting
|indolently stretching
|indolently sipping
|indolently flicking through
|indolently staring
Themes
daily_life
|work
|behavior
Examples
- He lay indolently on the sofa, ignoring the pile of laundry.
- She answered indolently, as if the question wasn’t worth her attention.
- They spent the afternoon indolently browsing online instead of packing.
Learner examples
- He sat indolently and did no work.
- She spoke indolently and slowly.
adverb
literary
C2
property
2
in a slow, languid way
In a slow, relaxed way.
Usage pattern:
indolently + [movement verb]
Common mistake:
Using it for careful slowness ("slowly and carefully") rather than relaxed, low-energy slowness.
Synonyms
languidly (Highlights relaxed, low-energy movement, often due to heat or tiredness.)
|
leisurely (Emphasizes unhurried pace, less the sense of laziness.)
|
slowly (Neutral about attitude; lacks the ‘lazy’ feel.)
Antonyms
briskly (Quickly and energetically.)
|
vigorously (With strong, forceful energy.)
Collocations
indolently swaying
|indolently swinging
|indolently waving
|indolently rolling
|indolently turning
|indolently circling
Themes
daily_life
|movement
|feelings
Examples
- Leaves moved indolently in the hot afternoon air.
- The cat’s tail swished indolently as it watched the birds.
- A small boat drifted indolently across the lake.
Learner examples
- The boat moved indolently on the water.
Grammar
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.