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- Dictionaryi·dle/ˈīd(ə)l/
adjective
- 1. (of a person) avoiding work; lazy: "idle students" Similar Opposite
- 2. without purpose or effect; pointless: "he did not want to waste valuable time in idle chatter" Similar Opposite
verb
- 1. spend time doing nothing: "four men were idling outside the shop" Similar
- 2. (of an engine) run slowly while disconnected from a load or out of gear: "the car is noisily idling in the street" Similar
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Jul 10, 2012 · Learn the meaning of idle as an adjective and a verb, with synonyms, examples, and word history. Find out how to use idle to describe something or someone that is not occupied, employed, or worthwhile, or to spend time doing nothing.
Learn the meaning of idle as an adjective and a verb in English, with synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples. Find out how to use idle in different contexts, such as production, finance, and workplace.
Something idle is not active. If your car is idling, it's running but not moving. If someone calls you idle, it either means they think you don't have enough to do or that you're just plain lazy.
Learn the various meanings and uses of the word idle as an adjective, noun, verb, and adverb. Find synonyms, pronunciation, grammar, and examples of idle in different contexts.
To be idle is to be inactive or not working at a job. The word is sometimes derogatory, but not always, since one may be relaxing temporarily or may be idle through necessity: pleasantly idle on a vacation; to be idle because one is unemployed or because supplies are lacking.
1. To pass time without being engaged in purposeful activity: "The girls idled all day long, sending their tinkling laughter flowing up and down the street"(Alai). 2. To move slowly or without purpose: "I drove past the workshop ... I idled along the driveway past the pole fence ... to Tyhee Road"(Tom Spanbauer). 3.
[usually before noun] with no particular purpose or effect. idle chatter/curiosity. It was just an idle threat (= not serious). It is idle to pretend that their marriage is a success. [usually before noun] (of time) not spent doing work or something particular. In idle moments, he carved wooden figures. Word Origin. Idioms.
