ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rainy

adj.
A1 Beginner US //ˈɹeɪni// UK //ɹˈeɪni// rainy

adj. having a lot of rain or characterized by rain. You use this to describe weather or a day when it rains often.

adj. characterised by frequent or heavy rainfall. Often used to describe a climate, a specific day, or a season.


SIMPLE

It is a rainy day so we should stay inside.

CONTEXTUAL

The tropical region has a long rainy season that lasts from May until October every year.

COMPLEX

The city's rainy climate necessitates a robust drainage system to prevent the low-lying streets from flooding during the peak of the monsoon.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English reyny, from Old English reġniġ, from Proto-West Germanic regnag, from Proto-Germanic regnagaz (“rainy”), equivalent to rain + -y. Cognate with Saterland Frisian rienig (“rainy”), West Frisian reinich (“rainy”), Dutch regenig (“rainy”), German regnig (“rainy”), Swedish regnig (“rainy”).

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

Pitfall

It is very rain todayIt is very rainy todayLearners sometimes use the noun 'rain' instead of the adjective 'rainy' to describe the weather.

Idioms3 entries

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