English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

wet

adj. · v. · n.
US /ˈwɛt/ UK /wˈɛt/ wet UK spelling wets, wetted, wetting

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adj.covered or soaked with water or another liquid.

    adj.covered, saturated, or impregnated with water or another liquid; the primary literal sense.

    Simple

    Be careful walking on the floor because it is still wet from the mop.

    In context

    The hikers were completely wet by the time they reached the cabin, as their waterproof gear had failed during the storm.

    dry
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.used to describe weather when it is raining.

    adj.characterised by rain or frequent precipitation.

    Simple

    We had very wet weather during our holiday in Scotland.

    In context

    The forecast predicts a wet weekend, which may force the organisers to move the outdoor concert into the local town hall.

    rainyshowery
  3. 03 C1 Advanced British EnglishInformal

    adj.describes someone who is weak or has no strength of character.

    adj.denoting a person perceived as weak, ineffectual, or lacking in resolve.

    Simple

    Don't be so wet; just tell him that you disagree with his plan.

    In context

    The manager was often criticised for being too wet to discipline staff who consistently arrived late for their shifts.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.describes a lab or scientist working with chemicals or biological samples.

    adj.pertaining to laboratory work involving chemicals, drugs, or biological matter in liquid form.

    Simple

    She spent the afternoon in the wet lab testing the new blood samples.

    In context

    The transition from theoretical modeling to wet chemistry requires a significant shift in safety protocols and equipment handling.

    dry
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    v.to put water or liquid on something.

    v.to cover or saturate something with liquid; to make something wet.

    Simple

    You should wet the cloth before you try to wipe the table.

    In context

    The gardener carefully wetted the soil around the seedlings to ensure they stayed hydrated during the heatwave.

    moistendampen
    dry
  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

    v.to accidentally go to the toilet in your clothes or bed.

    v.to involuntarily discharge urine into one's clothing or bedding.

    Simple

    The puppy was so excited to see us that he wet the floor.

    In context

    Parents often worry when a child who has been dry for months suddenly starts to wet the bed again.

  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    n.liquid, moisture, or rainy weather.

    n.liquid or moisture in the environment; often refers specifically to rain.

    Simple

    Come inside and get out of the wet before you catch a cold.

    In context

    The morning wet still clung to the grass, soaking through the hikers' boots within minutes of leaving the trail.

    moisturedampness

From Middle English wet (“wet, moistened”), wett, wette, past participle of Middle English weten (“to wet”), from Old English wǣtan (“to wet, moisten, water”), from Proto-West Germanic wātijan, from Proto-Germanic wētijaną (“to wet, make wet”), from Proto-Indo-European *wed- (“water, wet”) (also the source of water). Cognate with Scots weit, wete (“to wet”), Saterland Frisian wäitje (“to wet; drench”), Icelandic væta (“to wet”). Compare also Middle English weet (“wet”), from Old English wǣt (“wet, moist, rainy”), from Proto-West Germanic wāt, from Proto-Germanic wētaz (“wet, moist”), related to Scots weit, weet, wat (“wet”), North Frisian wiat, weet, wäit (“wet”), Saterland Frisian wäit (“wet”), West Frisian wiet (“wet”), Middle Dutch wet (“wet, damp, watery”), Swedish and Norwegian våt (“wet”), Danish våd (“wet”), Faroese vátur (“wet”), Icelandic votur (“wet”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *wed-
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated