Drizzly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drizzly

[ˈdrɪzli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

Characterized by light rain falling in very fine drops.

Synonyms

mizzly, rainy, showery.

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Word Description / Examples
drizzly

This word is used to describe light rain that is more consistent and often over longer periods. It suggests a gentle, continuous rain.

  • The weather was drizzly all morning, making everything damp but not too wet.
  • I love the quiet moments of a drizzly day, perfect for reading a book indoors.
mizzly

This word is quite similar to 'drizzly' but may be used more to describe an even finer mist-like rain. It conveys a light, damp atmosphere.

  • It was a mizzly afternoon, with a fine mist settling over the hills.
  • The mizzly weather gave the village a mysterious, enchanting feel.
showery

Use 'showery' when talking about intermittent rain that comes in bursts rather than a continuous downpour. It's often used to describe weather with rain that starts and stops repeatedly.

  • The showery weather kept everyone guessing whether to stay indoors or go outside.
  • It was a showery day, with short periods of rain followed by clear skies.
rainy

The term 'rainy' is general and can refer to any amount or type of rain. It doesn't specify the intensity and can be used to describe days or periods with frequent rain.

  • They decided to cancel the picnic because of the rainy forecast.
  • Rainy days always make me feel like staying in and watching movies.

Examples of usage

  • It was a drizzly day, with a constant mist in the air.
  • The drizzly weather made the streets slick and dangerous.
  • We decided to stay indoors due to the drizzly conditions outside.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Weather Patterns

  • Drizzly weather often occurs when warm air meets cooler air, leading to condensation without heavy storms.
  • Many places experience drizzle during the transition between seasons, especially in spring and autumn.

Cultural References

  • In poetry, drizzly weather is often associated with melancholy or introspection, evoking feelings of calm or sadness.
  • Songs often use drizzle to set a mood, with lyrics describing love, longing, or nostalgia while it rains softly.

Literature

  • Classic novels sometimes describe drizzly scenes to enhance the atmosphere, making readers feel the cool dampness as characters face challenges.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens used drizzly settings to reflect characters' feelings and struggles, creating a vivid backdrop.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that people may feel more relaxed or contemplative during drizzly weather, potentially due to reduced sunlight.
  • The sound of drizzle can have a calming effect, helping some individuals focus or enter a meditative state.

Science

  • Drizzle is defined as precipitation with drops smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter, often leading to lighter moisture on surfaces.
  • Meteorologists use radar technology to detect and measure drizzle, which can be tricky to observe when it's very light.

Origin of 'drizzly'

The word 'drizzly' originated from the combination of 'drizzle' and the suffix '-y', which is used to form adjectives indicating a characteristic or quality. The term 'drizzle' itself comes from Old English 'drysnian', meaning 'to fall in drops'. Over time, 'drizzly' has become commonly used to describe light, misty rain, adding a descriptive element to weather forecasts and everyday conversations.


See also: drizzling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,514, 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.