Final answer:
The word 'languid' describes a state of tiredness or lack of energy, as shown in the example sentence about a dog's tongue after running. Similar to 'lassitude,' it indicates weariness after exertion. Descriptive terms like 'languid' can significantly set the tone and mood in writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term languid refers to a state of sluggishness or weariness, often suggesting a lack of energy or vitality. When used to describe the dog's tongue in the sentence, 'The dog's tongue was languid after running around the backyard,' it conveys that the dog was exhausted, with its tongue hanging out, likely panting heavily due to the exertion of running around. The imagery of the dog's state post-activity paints a picture of its fatigue and lethargy.
Further illustrating this, consider a sentence from provided references, 'The effort it cost him to speak made him conscious of extreme lassitude following upon great exertion.' The word lassitude here is synonymous with languidness, further emphasizing the overwhelming sense of tiredness as a result of physical effort. Describing an environment or a living creature with such detail not only sets the scene but also allows readers to feel the atmosphere and emotional state of the characters or, in this case, the dog.
When analyzing descriptive writing, paying attention to the choice of words like languid can reveal much about the intended tone and mood of the piece. For example, 'The soft and damp pink-flowers of the Dogwood tree smelled sweetly in the cool spring air as the wind whistled through its yellow-green leaves' uses vivid descriptions to evoke a serene and peaceful setting, contrasting with the worn-out dog mentioned earlier.