What is limbo? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of limbo

limbonoun
tình trạng lấp lửng
/ˈlɪmbəʊ//ˈlɪmbəʊ/

Where does the word limbo come from?

The word "limbo" originated in the 14th century from the Latin "limbus," which means "border" or "outer boundary." Initially, it referred to the edge or fringe of something, such as a field or a crowd. Over time, the term took on a new meaning in the context of Catholicism and hell. In Christian theology, limbo was a concept introduced in the 12th century to describe a state where unbaptized infants and certain righteous individuals were believed to reside after death. It was seen as a place where they were not punished or rewarded, but rather existed in a neutral state, separate from hell and heaven. This concept of limbo was later refined and eventually abandoned in favor of purgatory. In the 17th century, the word "limbo" took on another meaning, referring to a state of uncertainty or indecision, as if someone was suspended between two options or destinies.

Vocabulary summary limbo

type noun

meaning underworld

meaning prison; jail; imprisonment

example in limbo

meaning forgetfulness, neglect

Example of vocabulary limbonamespace

a West Indian dance in which you lean backwards and go under a bar that is made lower each time you go under it

After the wedding, the guests danced the limbo to a calypso beat.
The limbo line formed outside the club as people prepared for a night of Caribbean dance and music.
The limbo bar was set particularly low for the beginners, making it easy for them to move their hips and swing in rhythm.
During the limbo competition, the bar kept getting lower and lower, testing the flexibility and coordination of the dancers.
In limbo, the dancers bent their bodies back as far as they could without touching the bar, showing off their impressive limberness.

a situation in which you are not certain what to do next, cannot take action, etc., especially because you are waiting for somebody else to make a decision