Word of the Day: Sultry
What's the story
"Sultry" is an adjective used to describe weather that is very hot and humid, often making the air feel heavy and uncomfortable. It can also describe a person, voice, or atmosphere that has a warm, attractive, or sensual quality.
Origin
Origin of the word
"Sultry" comes from the Old English word swelter, meaning "to suffer from heat."
It developed from the idea of oppressive heat and entered English in its present form in the 16th century.
Over time, its meaning also came to describe a warm or sensual quality.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'sultry'
Words similar to "sultry" include hot, humid, steamy, muggy, sweltering, warm, and sensual.
They can describe uncomfortable heat or, in a different context, someone or something that has an attractive, warm, or sensual quality.
Sentence
Sentence usage
Let us see how "sultry" can be used in various sentences:
"The sultry afternoon made everyone look for a cool place to relax."
"A sultry breeze moved through the open windows."
"She spoke in a soft, sultry voice."
Writing
Why use the word
Use "sultry" when you want to describe intense heat or a warm, humid atmosphere.
It is a simple way to make descriptions of weather and surroundings more expressive, especially when the air feels heavy, sticky, and uncomfortable.