“Torpid” vs. “Torrid”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “torpid” and “torrid”

  • Torpid relates to a lack of activity, while torrid implies intense activity or passion.
  • Torpid refers to a physical state, while torrid is more likely to refer to a sensory experience or emotion.
  • Torpid suggests a lack of energy, while torrid suggests an excess of energy or emotion.
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What is the definition of “torpid” and “torrid”?

Torpid
  • Torpid refers to a state of inactivity or sluggishness.
  • It can also refer to a reduced or slowed down physiological functioning in an animal.
  • A person who is torpid may appear lethargic or unresponsive.
Torrid
  • Torrid means intensely hot and dry.
  • It can also refer to passionate or ardent emotions or feelings.
  • In some contexts, torrid can suggest scandalous or steamy behavior.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Torrid” is the more popular variant on the web.
Torpid
1,040,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. After a large meal, the cat became torpid and slept for hours.
  2. The sales team's torpid performance resulted in disappointing numbers.
  3. During the winter months, the lake was torpid and frozen over.
More popular
Torrid
17,900,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The torrid heat made it almost unbearable to be outside.
  2. The new romance between the two strangers quickly became torrid.
  3. The gossip about the celebrity's torrid past dominated tabloid headlines.
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