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REFERENCE

warmth

n.
US //ˈwɔɹmθ// UK //wˈɔːmθ// warmth
  1. 1 moderate heat (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a comfortable amount of heat that is not too hot.

    the state or quality of being warm; a moderate degree of heat.

    Example

    The warmth of the sun felt wonderful on her face after the long winter.

    Example

    The insulation was designed to retain the warmth of the building during the harsh sub-zero temperatures of the northern winter.

  2. 2 friendliness (n.)
    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.

    Example

    He was touched by the warmth of the welcome he received from the family.

    Example

    Despite their professional rivalry, she spoke of her colleague with genuine warmth and admiration during the retirement ceremony.

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  1. 3 visual colour (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Art

    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.

    Example

    The artist added more yellow to the landscape to give it a sense of warmth.

    Example

    The restorer noted that the original warmth of the portrait had been obscured by layers of discoloured varnish applied in the nineteenth century.

  2. 4 emotional intensity (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    a strong feeling of excitement or anger when speaking about something.

    intensity of emotion, enthusiasm, or conviction in expression.

    Example

    She defended her ideas with great warmth during the debate.

    Example

    The orator spoke with such warmth and conviction that even his most cynical critics were momentarily silenced by his passion.

Origin

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”).

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