Downy: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒธ
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downy

 

[ หˆdaสŠni ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

softness

Having a soft, fluffy texture resembling down feathers; covered with fine soft hairs or feathers.

Synonyms

feathery, fluffy, fuzzy, soft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
downy

Used to describe something that is covered with soft, fine hair or feathers, often associated with young birds or very soft fabrics.

  • The baby duckling had downy feathers
  • She bought a downy blanket for the winter
fluffy

Used to describe something that is soft, light, and voluminous, often used for describing animals, pillows, or light food.

  • The kitten had fluffy fur
  • She made fluffy pancakes for breakfast
soft

Describes anything with a smooth, gentle, or yielding texture, often used in a variety of situations including describing emotions, sounds, and materials.

  • The bed had soft sheets
  • Her voice was soft and comforting
feathery

Describes something that resembles or is light and airy like feathers, often used in poetic or descriptive writing.

  • The willow tree had long, feathery branches
  • He felt a feathery touch on his skin as the breeze blew
fuzzy

Refers to something that is soft and has a texture like fine, short hair, often associated with a slightly blurry or indistinct appearance.

  • The old photograph was a bit fuzzy
  • He wore a fuzzy sweater to keep warm

Examples of usage

  • The duckling had downy feathers.
  • The downy blanket was warm and cozy.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Having a soft, smooth, and often shiny appearance.

Synonyms

glossy, silky, sleek, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
downy

Use this word to describe something covered with fine, soft feathers or hair. It's often associated with comfort and softness, similar to that of a baby bird or a fluffy pillow.

  • The chick's downy feathers were soft to the touch
  • The downy pillow provided great comfort during the flight
smooth

This word is used to describe a surface free of roughness or irregularities. It can also describe an experience or action that is free of obstacles. It's a general term that can be applied in many contexts.

  • The surface of the table was smooth to the touch
  • He gave a smooth performance during his presentation
silky

Silky is used to describe something that feels smooth and luxurious, like silk fabric. It's often used for hair, fabrics, or skin to indicate a high level of softness and elegance.

  • Her hair was silky and smooth after the treatment
  • The dress was made from a silky fabric that felt wonderful on the skin
glossy

This word is typically used to describe a surface that is shiny and reflective. It's often associated with magazines, photos, and products that have an appealing, polished look.

  • She admired the glossy finish of her new car
  • The magazine featured glossy pages filled with vibrant images
sleek

Sleek is used for something smooth, glossy, and streamlined, often associated with modern design. It can describe objects, animals, or even people who have a polished and sophisticated appearance.

  • The new smartphone has a sleek design that everyone admires
  • The cat had a sleek coat that shone in the sunlight

Examples of usage

  • Her downy hair caught the sunlight.
  • The downy petals of the flower were delicate.

Translations

Translations of the word "downy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น macio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅเคฒเคพเคฏเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช flaumig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ halus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟัƒั…ะฝะฐัั‚ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ meszkowaty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŸ”ใ‚‰ใ‹ใ„ (yawarakai)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท duveteux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ velloso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yumuลŸak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€๋“œ๋Ÿฌ์šด (budeureoun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุงุนู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hebkรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jemnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŸ”่ฝฏ็š„ (rรณuruวŽn de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mehak

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mjรบkur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถาฑะผัะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜ (rbili)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yumลŸaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ velloso

Etymology

The word 'downy' originates from the Middle English word 'douny', meaning 'abounding in down'. It is derived from the Old English word 'dลซne', which referred to feathers or down. Over time, 'downy' has come to describe softness and fluffiness in texture or appearance.

See also: down, downcast, downsize, downsizing, downstairs, downward, downwards.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,138, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.