hot

/hɒt/
adjective★Beginner
◆ What It Really Means
Describing something or someone as very popular, attractive, or intense in a non-literal sense.
Literal Meaning
Having a high temperature.
Literal Breakdown
hotproducing or having heat
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of something burning or radiating heat, which is metaphorically extended to describe popularity or attractiveness.
◈ When to Use
A friend might say, 'That new restaurant is really hot right now,' meaning it is very popular and hard to get a reservation.
◉ Cultural Note
The figurative use of 'hot' to describe popularity or attractiveness is common in informal English, particularly in American and British slang.
formal

Having a high temperature; producing heat.

The coffee is too hot to drink.

The soup is boiling hot.

💡

Often used to describe objects, weather, or food that is uncomfortably warm.

informal

Very popular or trending.

This new song is really hot right now.

The new smartphone model is the hottest item this season.

💡

Commonly used in informal contexts to describe something that is currently very popular or in demand.

informal

Attractive or sexually appealing.

She has a hot new boyfriend.

That actor is really hot in his latest movie.

💡

Slang usage to describe someone who is physically attractive.

Collocations

hot weatherweather that is very warm or uncomfortably hothot topica subject that is currently very popular or widely discussedhot potatoa difficult or controversial issue that is hard to handle

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

hot messphrase
a situation or person that is chaotic or out of control
hot under the collaridiom
to be very angry or upset
hot and botheredphrase
to be agitated or excited

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'hot' can vary greatly depending on the context. Pay attention to whether it is being used literally or figuratively.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'hot' is a versatile word, overusing it in informal contexts can make your language sound casual or unprofessional.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'hot', from Old English 'hāt', from Proto-Germanic 'haitaz', meaning 'hot'. Related to Old Norse 'heitr' and Old High German 'heiz'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'hot' can be used in both literal and figurative senses. In literal contexts, it describes physical temperature, while in informal contexts, it can describe popularity or attractiveness.

Word Breakdown

hot
high temperature or intense popularity/attractiveness
root
English Dictionary