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warm
/wɔːrm/
moderately hot
The sun felt warm on my skin.
The sun was pleasantly hot, providing a comfortable feeling.
general
Having a moderately high temperature, pleasantly hot
She wrapped herself in a warm blanket.
She covered herself with a blanket that was pleasantly hot.
The weather is warm today.
The temperature is pleasantly hot today.
Often used to describe temperatures that are comfortable and not too hot or cold.
figurative
Showing kindness, friendliness, or affection
She gave me a warm welcome.
She greeted me with kindness and friendliness.
His warm smile made everyone feel at ease.
His friendly and affectionate smile made everyone feel comfortable.
Used metaphorically to describe emotional warmth or friendliness.
Collocations
warm upto prepare for physical activity by exercising lightlywarm clothesclothing designed to keep the body warmwarm receptiona friendly and welcoming greeting
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Remember that 'warm' can describe both physical temperature and emotional warmth. Context will help you determine which meaning is intended.
Gold Rule
Common Collocations
'Warm' is often used with 'up', 'clothes', and 'reception'. These collocations are common in everyday English.
Word Origin
From Middle English *warme*, from Old English *wearm*, from Proto-Germanic *warmuz*, from Proto-Indo-European *ghwermos. Related to Dutch *warm*, German *warm*, and Swedish *varm*.
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally to describe temperature and figuratively to describe emotional warmth. Often used in weather descriptions and to describe feelings of comfort or friendliness.
Word Breakdown
warm
moderately hot or showing kindness
rootEnglish Dictionary