ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cozy

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈkoʊzi// cozy
  1. 1 warm and comfortable (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    warm, comfortable, and making you feel relaxed and safe.

    giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. Often used to describe small, well-insulated spaces.

    Example

    We spent the rainy afternoon in a cozy little café by the fireplace.

    Example

    The cabin was remarkably cozy, with thick wool blankets and the gentle crackle of the wood stove providing a sanctuary from the blizzard outside.

  2. 2 a protective cover (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Cooking

    a soft cover put over a teapot or a boiled egg to keep it warm.

    a padded or knitted cover used to insulate a container, typically a teapot, and retain its heat.

    Example

    She knitted a colorful tea cozy to keep the pot warm during breakfast.

    Example

    The traditional tea cozy, though often viewed as a quaint domestic relic, remains an effective tool for maintaining the ideal serving temperature of a brew.

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  1. 3 to get close to (v.)
    C1 Advanced American English Informal

    to try to become friendly with someone, often to get an advantage.

    to give someone a feeling of intimacy or to ingratiate oneself with another person. Almost always used as the phrasal verb 'cozy up'.

    Example

    He tried to cozy up to the boss to get a better office.

    Example

    The lobbyist attempted to cozy up to the newly elected senator, hoping to secure a favorable hearing for the upcoming energy bill.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'cozy up to [someone]'.

    • ingratiate
    • sidle

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