indolente

Indolente is an Italian adjective with several related meanings depending on context. In everyday language, it describes a person or attitude characterized by a lack of energy, motivation, or initiative: lazy, indolent, or sluggish.

Etymology and nuance: The word derives from Latin indolentus, formed by in- (not) and dolentus (painful), originally referring to not feeling pain. In contemporary Italian, the primary sense is a state of slowness or low vigor, rather than a moral judgment about character alone.

Medical usage: In medical terminology, indolente can denote conditions that cause little or no pain or diseases that progress slowly with mild symptoms. For example, a tumor described as indolente is one that grows slowly and is less aggressive, and a chronic infection may be labeled indolente when pain is minimal. The term highlights the absence of pain or a slow course rather than a lack of seriousness, though the exact meaning depends on context.

Cultural and linguistic notes: In Italian, indolente can carry pejorative connotations when applied to people, implying laziness or lack of ambition. In English-language medical writings, the cognate indolent is used, but it often retains a different nuance, sometimes meaning lazy rather than specifically non-painful or slow-progressing.

See also: Indolence; Dolente.