warmth
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a comfortable amount of heat that is not too hot.
the state or quality of being warm; a moderate degree of heat.
Simple“The warmth of the sun felt wonderful on her face after the long winter.”
In context“The insulation was designed to retain the warmth of the building during the harsh sub-zero temperatures of the northern winter.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a friendly and kind way of behaving towards other people.
the quality of being kind, affectionate, or friendly in one's manner or expression.
Simple“He was touched by the warmth of the welcome he received from the family.”
In context“Despite their professional rivalry, she spoke of her colleague with genuine warmth and admiration during the retirement ceremony.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
the use of red, orange, and yellow colours in a painting to make it feel inviting.
the quality of a colour or a work of art that comes from using red, orange, or yellow hues.
Simple“The artist added more yellow to the landscape to give it a sense of warmth.”
In context“The restorer noted that the original warmth of the portrait had been obscured by layers of discoloured varnish applied in the nineteenth century.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a strong feeling of excitement or anger when speaking about something.
intensity of emotion, enthusiasm, or conviction in expression.
Simple“She defended her ideas with great warmth during the debate.”
In context“The orator spoke with such warmth and conviction that even his most cynical critics were momentarily silenced by his passion.”
Antonyms
From Middle English warmth, warmeth, wermþe, from Old English wiermþu (“warmth”), from Proto-West Germanic warmiþu (“warmness; warmth”), corresponding to warm + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Waarmte (“warmth”), West Frisian waarmte (“warmth”), Dutch warmte (“warmth”), German Low German Warmte, Warmt (“warmth”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.