I don't know that there is much difference between these words. Both are usually used in reference to the temperature of water. Also, I can't see how the temperature of water can be understood as being more or less positive. I would say that the coffee is lukewarm and the swimming pool is somewhat tepid - but that is merely a subjective response.Hi,
May I know, please, which one is 'warmer' then the other one?! Is either of them used more positively? Thanks.
I don't believe that there is any consensus on the correct way to speak of drinkable tea. 'lukewarm" is as good as any. I would say that I will drink the tea when it has cooled down a bit.Thanks for the reply! By 'positive' I meant when it's ok for drinking. I think people wouldn't like to drink their tea if it's turned lukewarm. Is that right?
As far as temperature goes, I would say they're probably pretty similar. The only difference I can think of is that water cools down from hot to lukewarm, but if it starts cold and only goes up in temperature a small amount, it only reaches tepid. That's not a rule though, that's probably just how I happen to use it.