ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sweaty

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈswɛti// UK //swˈɛti// sweaty Humorous Informal Slang Vulgar

adj. covered in or smelling of the salty liquid your body makes when you are hot or nervous. You use this to describe how you feel after a long run or a scary moment.

adj. covered in, soaked with, or smelling of perspiration. Often used to describe physical states resulting from exertion, heat, or anxiety.


SIMPLE

My shirt is sweaty after that long walk.

CONTEXTUAL

The gym was full of sweaty people working out on the machines during the lunch hour.

COMPLEX

He emerged from the interview with sweaty palms and a racing heart, relieved that the intense questioning had finally come to an end.

Etymology 1

From Middle English swety, equivalent to sweat + -y.

Etymology 2

Influenced by the similarity of the spelling of sweety, and the humorous contrast between their meanings.

Usage

Typically used as a descriptive adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'feel' or 'become'.

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