Cozy: meaning, definitions and examples

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cozy

[ˈkoʊzi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

home atmosphere

Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation; pleasant and inviting.

Synonyms

comfortable, homely, inviting, snug, warm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cozy	Use when describing a place or situation that feels warm and comforting, often implying smallness and intimacy. The cabin in the woods was cozy with its glowing fireplace. We had a cozy evening, wrapped in blankets and watching movies.
comfortable	Applies to a sense of physical or emotional ease and relaxation, regardless of the setting. The sofa is really comfortable to sit on. He felt comfortable speaking in front of the crowd.
snug	Refers to something tight-fitting but still comfortable, or a small but cozy place. She felt snug in her winter coat. The children slept snug in their bunk beds.
warm	Describes a literal physical warmth or a figurative sense of friendliness and affection. The bed was warm from the afternoon sun. He had a warm smile that made everyone feel at ease.
inviting	Implies a welcoming and attractive space or feeling, making others want to come in and enjoy it. The living room was very inviting with its large, soft chairs. The garden looked inviting on a sunny day.
homely	Describes a place that feels like home, humble and simple, but in British English, it means unattractive. Be cautious with regional differences. Her kitchen was homely, filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies. The guesthouse had a homely atmosphere.

Examples of usage

She loves to curl up with a book in her cozy living room.
The cabin in the woods had a cozy fireplace to gather around on cold nights.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

clothing

A soft, comfortable, and warm garment, typically worn indoors.

Synonyms

cardigan, jumper, pullover, robe, sweater.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cozy	Used to describe a place or thing that feels warm, comfortable, and inviting, often used in the context of homes or atmospheres. The living room feels very cozy with the fireplace and soft lighting. She likes to snuggle in her cozy blanket with a book and a cup of tea.
sweater	A general term for a knitted garment worn on the upper body, typically made from wool or cotton, often worn in cooler weather. She bought a new sweater to wear during the winter months. He pulled on a thick sweater before going out into the snow.
cardigan	Refers to a type of knitted sweater that opens in the front and typically has buttons. Suitable for casual or semi-formal situations. She wore a light cardigan over her dress for the evening party. He grabbed his favorite cardigan before heading out to the porch.
jumper	Commonly used in British English to refer to a knitted garment typically worn over a shirt or blouse, generally for warmth or style. It's getting cold, you might want to wear a jumper today. She knitted a red jumper for her granddaughter for Christmas.
pullover	A sweater that is put on by pulling it over the head, without any zippers or buttons. Typically more casual. He wore a thick pullover to stay warm on the chilly morning. She prefers pullovers because they are easy to wear and comfortable.
robe	Commonly used to refer to a long, loose-fitting garment worn especially before or after a bath, or for lounging. Often associated with comfort and relaxation. After the shower, he wrapped himself in a soft, fluffy robe. She enjoys drinking her morning coffee in her robe.

Examples of usage

She put on her favorite cozy sweater on a chilly evening.
The cozy socks kept her feet warm during the winter.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cozy' comes from the Scottish word 'cosey', which means safe and snug.
Originally, 'cozy' referred to a small comfortable space, typically relating to homes or seating.
The use of cozy to describe the feeling of warmth and comfort became popular in the 19th century.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, creating a cozy space is important; for example, in Scandinavian culture, there is a concept of 'hygge', which emphasizes coziness and contentment.
The Japanese practice of 'wabi-sabi' appreciates beauty in imperfection, often found in cozy, simple living spaces.
Cafés around the world often use cozy aesthetics like warm lighting and comfortable seating to invite customers to relax.

Psychology

Studies show that cozy environments can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and happiness.
Warm colors in a room, like earth tones, can create a cozy feel and encourage positive emotions.
Feeling cozy is linked to the release of oxytocin, the 'love hormone,' which promotes feelings of safety and love.

Literature and Art

Cozy mysteries, a popular genre in literature, feature charming settings and often include a small-town feel, where characters solve light-hearted crimes.
Classic paintings sometimes depict cozy scenes of family gatherings or individuals enjoying solitude in warm home settings.
Authors often use descriptive language to evoke the coziness of a setting, helping readers feel as if they are in a warm, inviting space.

Architecture and Design

Cozy designs often involve small spaces with personal touches, such as bookshelves, cushions, and warm lighting.
The idea of 'cozy homes' often includes features like fireplaces and nooks that create intimate spaces.
Feng Shui principles often emphasize creating cozy environments to promote tranquility and comfort at home.

Translations

Translations of the word "cozy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aconchegante

🇮🇳 आरामदायक

🇩🇪 gemütlich

🇮🇩 nyaman

🇺🇦 затишний

🇵🇱 przytulny

🇯🇵 居心地の良い

🇫🇷 confortable

🇪🇸 acogedor

🇹🇷 rahat

🇰🇷 아늑한

🇸🇦 مريح

🇨🇿 útulný

🇸🇰 útulný

🇨🇳 舒适

🇸🇮 udoben

🇮🇸 notalegur

🇰🇿 жайлы

🇬🇪 მყუდრო

🇦🇿 rahat

🇲🇽 acogedor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,676, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17673 articulating
17674 suspiciously
17675 sifted
17676 cozy
17677 inquisition
17678 bequeath
17679 atropine
...