These words suggest a temperature midway between cold and hot. Warm is the most general of these and is extremely relative. It can have positive, neutral or negative force, depending on context: pointing out that the champagne was still warm ; offering to heat up the warm coffee; a warm , cheery fire; an uncomfortably warm room. In reference to emotions, the word has an exclusively positive tone, indicating sincerer interest or affection: our warmest regards.

Lukewarm and tepid at their most literal refer more neutrally to things that are not too hot. Of the two, lukewarm is less formal and more clear in its neutral emphasis on description: fabrics that must be washed in lukewarm water. Tepid more readily permits implications that something is too cool: water that had become too tepid to wash dishes in. both may refer to half-hearted or indifferent feelings. Lukewarm suggests interest that suggesting a lack of animation or enthusiasm: tepid evenings spent with dull people.

Muggy and stuffy both refer mainly to an unpleasantly warm atmosphere or weather. Muggy emphasizes warmth accompanied by oppressive humidity: staying muggy for days after the hot spell was over. Stuffy is restricted specifically to an over-warm and poorly ventilated area, usually indoors: becoming stuffy , in the crowded lecture hall; the stuffy , airless bedroom.