Coziness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coziness

[ˈkoʊziˌnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of comfort

Coziness is the feeling of warmth, comfort, and relaxation in a pleasant and inviting environment. It is the state of being snug and content, often associated with feelings of safety and happiness.

Synonyms

comfort, homeliness, snugness, warmth.

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Word Description / Examples
coziness

Coziness is often used to describe a warm and comfortable feeling, particularly when referring to an environment or place. It can also denote a sense of intimacy.

  • The coziness of her apartment made it the perfect place to relax after a long day.
  • As the snow fell outside, the family enjoyed the coziness of the fireplace.
comfort

Comfort applies to both physical ease and a sense of psychological ease. It can refer to something that makes a person's life easier or more pleasant.

  • The comfort of the new mattress was beyond his expectations.
  • Her kind words brought me great comfort during a difficult time.
warmth

Warmth is used both literally to describe physical heat and figuratively to describe a feeling of kindness and affection.

  • The warmth of the sun felt wonderful on her skin.
  • She welcomed him with the warmth of an old friend.
snugness

Snugness refers to a tight and cozy fit. It's often used to describe a small, warm, and comfortable space.

  • The snugness of the little reading nook made it her favorite spot in the house.
  • He enjoyed the snugness of his winter coat on a cold day.
homeliness

Homeliness describes a simple, unpretentious style of comfort and warmth. It often refers to the atmosphere of a home.

  • The homeliness of the small cottage gave it a welcoming charm.
  • The restaurant's homeliness made every guest feel like they were family.

Examples of usage

  • The crackling fireplace added to the coziness of the cabin.
  • The soft blankets and dim lighting created a sense of coziness in the living room.
  • I love the coziness of curling up with a good book on a rainy day.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that environments that evoke coziness can reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness.
  • Color schemes associated with coziness often feature warm tones like soft yellows, browns, and muted greens, which can positively influence mood.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In Scandinavian countries, 'hygge' is a term that represents coziness and comfort, emphasizing simple pleasures and spending time with loved ones.
  • Japanese culture has the concept of 'komorebi,' referring to sunlight filtering through trees, which can create serene, cozy atmospheres.

Popular Culture

  • Movies that evoke coziness often feature warm lighting, intimate settings, and heartwarming stories, such as 'Amélie' or 'The Holiday.'
  • The rise of 'cottagecore' aesthetics on social media celebrates elements of coziness through homely, rustic visuals and embracing nature.

Literature

  • Classic literature often describes cozy scenes to evoke warmth, like curling up by the fireplace with a good book in works from authors like Jane Austen.
  • The cozy mystery genre pairs the comforting setting with intriguing plots, making readers feel at home while solving a mystery.

Origin of 'coziness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'cozy,' which has roots in the late 16th century Scottish word 'coisy,' meaning snug or comfortable.
  • Originally, it was linked to the concept of a small, warm place, enhancing the feeling of being safe and secure.

The word 'coziness' originated from the Middle English word 'cosey', which meant comfortable or cozy. Over time, the spelling evolved to 'coziness' to better reflect its pronunciation. The concept of coziness has been valued throughout history as a source of comfort and well-being, with various cultures embracing the idea of creating warm and inviting spaces. Today, coziness is often associated with hygge, a Danish concept of coziness and contentment.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,188, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.