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weather

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈwɛðɝ// UK //wˈɛðɐ// weath·er
  1. 1 atmospheric conditions (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    the state of the atmosphere at a certain time, like the temperature, rain, or wind.

    the state of the atmosphere at a specific place and time, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

    Example

    We checked the weather forecast before planning our trip to the beach.

    Example

    The unpredictable mountain weather forced the hikers to abandon their ascent and seek shelter in the valley.
    Pitfall
    The weathers are nice today.
    The weather is nice today.

    In its general sense, 'weather' is uncountable and does not take a plural form.

  2. 2 to survive a difficulty (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to deal with and survive a difficult situation or a storm.

    to endure or survive a challenging event or period without sustaining permanent damage.

    Example

    The small company managed to weather the economic crisis and stay in business.

    Example

    The administration struggled to weather the political scandal, eventually emerging with a significantly diminished mandate.
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  1. 3 to change due to exposure (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    to change color or shape because of being outside in the sun, rain, or wind.

    to undergo physical or chemical changes through prolonged exposure to atmospheric elements.

    Example

    The wooden fence had weathered over the years, turning a soft grey color.

    Example

    Geologists studied how the limestone cliffs had weathered over millennia, creating the unique jagged formations seen today.
  2. 4 facing the wind (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Nautical

    facing the direction that the wind is blowing from.

    relating to or being the side of a ship or object that faces the wind.

    Example

    The sailors moved to the weather side of the boat to keep it balanced.

    Example

    The captain ordered the crew to secure the hatches on the weather rail as the gale intensified from the north.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
    • leeward
Origin

From Middle English weder, wedir, from Old English weder, from Proto-West Germanic wedr, from Proto-Germanic wedrą, from Proto-Indo-European wedʰrom (=we-dʰrom), from *h₂weh₁- (“to blow”). Cognates Cognate with Scots wather (“weather”), Saterland Frisian Weeder (“weather”), Cimbrian bèttar (“weather”), Dutch weder, weer (“weather”), German Wetter (“weather”), Low German Weder (“weather”), Luxembourgish Wieder (“weather”), Yiddish וועטער (veter, “weather”), Danish vejr (“weather”), Faroese, Icelandic veður (“weather”), Norwegian Bokmål vær (“weather”), Norwegian Nynorsk veder, vêr (“weather”), Swedish väder (“weather”); also more distantly related to Russian вёдро (vjódro, “fair weather”) and perhaps Albanian vrëndë (“light rain”). Other cognates include Sanskrit निर्वाण (nirvāṇa, “blown or put out, extinguished”).

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