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Meaning & use

warmth

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/wɔːmθ/
US/wɔːrmθ/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The pleasant quality of being moderately hot, without being too hot.

    Grammar: No plural or a/an in this sense: the warmth of the fire.

    Patterns

    • the warmth of something

    We sat close to the stove to enjoy its warmth.

    The warmth of the sun made me sleepy.

    She wrapped her hands around the mug for warmth.

  2. noununcountablefigurative

    A kind, friendly, caring manner that makes people feel welcome.

    Grammar: Figurative sense, often followed by of: the warmth of her smile.

    Patterns

    • warmth of something
    • with warmth

    The host greeted us with real warmth.

    Her voice had a warmth that put the children at ease.

    I will never forget the warmth of the villagers.

  3. noununcountable

    A reddish, rich, or glowing quality in colors, light, or sound.

    Grammar: Used in art, photography, and music with of: the warmth of the colors.

    Patterns

    • the warmth of something

    The painter added orange to give the scene warmth.

    The old speakers had a rich warmth of tone.

    Candles added warmth to the room's lighting.

Common combinations

the warmth of the sun
We lay in the warmth of the sun.
human warmth
The film is full of human warmth.
seek warmth
Cats seek warmth near radiators.
a welcome warmth
The cafe offered a welcome warmth on a freezing day.
greet with warmth
She greeted the guests with warmth.
genuine warmth
He spoke with genuine warmth.

Synonyms and how they differ

heat
Heat is stronger and may be uncomfortable, while warmth is mild and pleasant.
kindness
Kindness is about helpful acts, while warmth is the friendly feeling a person gives off.
affection
Affection is love or fondness, which is more personal than general warmth.
cordiality
Cordiality is a formal word for polite friendliness, less heartfelt than warmth.

Opposites

coldnesschill

Word family

warm adjective
moderately hot or friendly
warmly adverb
in a friendly or heated way
warm verb
to make or become warm
warmer noun
a device that warms something

Commonly confused: warmth or warmness?

warmth vs warmness

Warmness is rare; warmth is the usual noun.

Practice

The nurse spoke with such ___ that every patient felt at ease.

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