warmth

American  

[wawrmth] / wɔrmθ /

noun

1. the quality or state of being warm; moderate or gentle heat.

2. the sensation of moderate heat.

3. liveliness of feelings, emotions, or sympathies; ardor or fervor; enthusiasm or zeal.

   She spoke her mind with great warmth. There was warmth in his greeting and in his handshake.

   Synonyms:

   vigor, spirit, fire, heat

4. the quality of being intimate and attached.

   All children need warmth and affection from their families.

   Synonyms:

   affection, kindness, tenderness

5. an effect of brightness, cheerfulness, coziness, etc., achieved by the use of warm colors.

   The room has warmth since it was redecorated.

6. the means or ability to produce a sensation of heat.

   a jacket with little warmth.

7. slight anger or irritation.

   Her denial betrayed some warmth.

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warmth British  

/ wɔːmθ /

noun

1. the state, quality, or sensation of being warm

2. intensity of emotion

   he denied the accusation with some warmth

3. affection or cordiality

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Other Word Forms

• warmthless adjective
• warmthlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of warmth

First recorded in 1125–75, warmth is from the Middle English word wermth. See warm, -th ¹

Example Sentences

The aroma is deeper, fuller; the warmth blooms instead of merely humming.

From Salon

I climb under, feeling the warmth of the material, and of him, as he wraps both his arm and the woven cotton around me.

From Literature

And despite the warmth of his room, the threadbare plaid blanket that’s normally folded and draped over the end of his bed is tucked around his legs, his slippered feet sticking out beneath it.

From Literature

Clare brought his cup to his mouth, seeking the warmth of his tree sap tea.

From Literature

I played him the album — I think he was able to tell it was a real thing just by hearing the warmth of the chords.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affection
• compassion
• enthusiasm
• fervor
• glow
• hospitality
• kindness
• passion
• spirit