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Cloudy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cloudy

[ˈklaʊdi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

covered with or characterized by clouds; overcast

Synonyms

dull, gloomy, overcast, overcast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cloudy

Used to describe the weather when there are many clouds in the sky, blocking the sun but not necessarily indicating rain.

  • It's a cloudy day today, but it's still quite warm
  • The forecast says it will be cloudy in the afternoon
overcast

Used to describe the sky when it is completely covered with clouds, usually indicating that no sunlight is visible at all.

  • The sky has been overcast all morning, and it looks like it might start raining later
  • It's an overcast day, perfect for a cozy movie marathon
gloomy

Used to describe weather that is dark and dreary, often with a suggestion of rain or bad weather coming. It has a negative connotation and can also describe a mood.

  • It's such a gloomy day; it feels like it might rain soon
  • The gloomy weather makes me feel down
dull

Used to describe the weather when it is not only cloudy but also grey and lacking sunlight, making the atmosphere less vibrant and more monotonous.

  • The sky looks dull today, without any sign of sunshine
  • It seems like a dull afternoon, perfect for staying indoors

Examples of usage

  • The sky was cloudy, and we expected rain.
  • I prefer sunny days to cloudy ones.
  • The forecast predicts a cloudy afternoon.
  • The weather is expected to be cloudy all day.
  • The view from the top of the mountain was obstructed by the cloudy sky.
Context #2 | Adverb

weather

in a way that is covered with or characterized by clouds

Synonyms

darkly, gloomily, overcastly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cloudy

Typically used to describe weather when the sky is covered with clouds. It's neutral and commonly used in weather forecasts.

  • It looks like it's going to be a cloudy day.
  • The weather was cloudy but still warm.
gloomily

Describes something done in a sad, melancholic, or depressing manner. Often refers to mood or atmosphere.

  • She stared out the window gloomily as the rain poured down.
  • The house looked gloomily abandoned.
overcastly

Specifically describes the sky or weather when it is completely covered with clouds, blocking the sun. It gives a dull and sometimes dreary feeling.

  • The day started overcastly, with thick clouds everywhere.
  • It was overcastly, but at least it didn't rain.
darkly

Describes something that lacks light or is done in a serious, potentially sinister way. Often has a negative or ominous connotation.

  • He smiled darkly, hinting at his true intentions.
  • The room was lit darkly, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Examples of usage

  • The day started off cloudy but cleared up later.
  • She looked up at the sky, which was still cloudy.
  • We walked through the park under the cloudy sky.
  • The stars were hidden behind the cloudy night sky.
  • He gazed out the window at the cloudy horizon.
Context #3 | Noun

weather

a mass of condensed water vapor floating in the sky, typically high above the ground.

Synonyms

cumulus, nimbus, stratus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cloudy

This word is typically used in everyday conversation to describe the weather when there are many clouds in the sky and little to no sunshine.

  • It's a very cloudy day today; we might need an umbrella.
  • The weather forecast said it would be cloudy all week.
cumulus

Cumulus clouds are fluffy, white clouds often associated with fair weather. This term is more technical and is commonly used in meteorology.

  • Cumulus clouds are forming, bringing a pleasant and sunny day ahead.
  • Noticing cumulus clouds in the sky can indicate that the day will be relatively nice.
stratus

Stratus clouds form in flat layers and cover large areas of the sky, often leading to overcast conditions. This term is usually used in meteorological contexts.

  • A blanket of stratus clouds covered the sky, making the day look gloomy.
  • Stratus clouds typically bring light rain or drizzle.
nimbus

Nimbus clouds are rain-bearing clouds, often dark and dense. This term is also mostly used in meteorology to describe clouds that produce precipitation.

  • The dark nimbus clouds rolled in, bringing a heavy downpour with them.
  • You can usually expect rain when you see nimbus clouds gathering.

Examples of usage

  • The plane flew through the fluffy clouds.
  • The children enjoyed watching the shapes of the clouds.
  • Dark clouds gathered on the horizon.
  • The sky was filled with puffy white clouds.
  • Rain was on the way, as the clouds grew darker.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Weather Phenomena

  • Cloud formation is a crucial part of the water cycle, helping to transport moisture and create rain.
  • Different types of clouds (like cumulus and stratus) can change the weather, indicating whether a storm is coming.
  • A cloudy day can help cool the temperature, making it more comfortable on hot days.

Literature

  • Cloudy settings are commonly used in literature to create an atmosphere of mystery or foreboding.
  • Authors often relate cloudy skies to characters' emotional states, symbolizing confusion or sadness.
  • Poets like William Wordsworth wrote about clouds as representations of beauty and the fleeting nature of life.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a cloudy sky is often associated with change, both in weather and in life circumstances.
  • Clouds can symbolize uncertainty or ambiguity in various forms of art and expression, often used to depict a 'gray area' in moral dilemmas.
  • The phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' suggests that even in difficult times (like cloudy days), something positive can be found.

Science

  • Clouds are classified based on their appearance and altitude, influencing how they affect weather patterns.
  • Meteorologists analyze cloud types and formations to predict weather, helping communities prepare for storms.
  • The presence of clouds can also influence solar energy generation, as too many clouds can block sunlight and decrease power output.

Music and Arts

  • Many songs use 'cloudy' imagery in their lyrics to express feelings of melancholy or longing.
  • Artists have depicted cloudy skies in famous paintings, such as those by Claude Monet, to explore light and shadow.
  • The phrase 'cloudy day' is often used in music to evoke a sense of nostalgia or reflection on life's challenges.

Origin of 'cloudy'

The word 'cloudy' has its origins in the Old English word 'cludig', which meant 'covered with clouds'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, with the same meaning of being overcast or covered with clouds. The concept of clouds has been a part of human observation of the sky for centuries, with different cultures attributing various meanings to them. In meteorology, clouds play a crucial role in determining weather patterns and climate conditions.

See also: cloud, cloudburst, cloudily, cloudiness, clouding, cloudless, unclouded.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,743, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.