fog
The morning fog made driving difficult on the highway.
The thick cloud near the ground reduced visibility, making it hard to drive safely.
A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere, reducing visibility near the ground.
The fog rolled in from the sea, obscuring the coastline.
The thick cloud of water droplets near the ground covered the coastline.
Fog is similar to mist but thicker; it typically reduces visibility to less than 1 km.
To cover or become obscured by fog.
The windshield fogged up in the cold morning air.
The windshield became covered in tiny water droplets, reducing visibility.
Commonly used in the phrase 'fog up' to describe condensation forming on a surface.
To confuse or obscure something mentally.
His explanation only fogged my understanding further.
His explanation made my understanding even more unclear.
Often used in the phrase 'fog someone's mind' or 'fog someone's judgment'.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish fog, mist, and haze
Fog reduces visibility to less than 1 km, mist to 1-2 km, and haze to greater distances due to dry particles. Remember: fog is thicker than mist.
Gold Rule
Use 'fog' for ground-level clouds
Fog is specifically a cloud near the ground. For higher clouds, use 'cloud' or 'stratus.'
Word Origin
From Old English 'fog', meaning 'long grass' or 'sedge,' later associated with 'thick mist' due to its obscuring effect, similar to how tall grass obscures the ground.
Usage Notes
Fog is most common in coastal areas or near bodies of water. In figurative use, it describes mental confusion or lack of clarity. The verb form is less common but used in contexts like 'fog up' (e.g., glasses fogging up in cold weather).