Hot: meaning, definitions and examples

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hot

 

[ hɒt ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000 Weather
Context #1 | Adjective

weather

Having a high degree of heat or a high temperature.

Synonyms

boiling, scorching, sweltering, warm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hot

Commonly used to describe something with a high temperature. It can refer to weather, food, or objects.

  • It's a hot day outside
  • The soup is very hot; be careful
warm

Describes a mild or comfortably high temperature. It can refer to weather, feelings, or objects.

  • The water is nice and warm
  • It's a warm and cozy room
sweltering

Describes oppressive and uncomfortable heat, often combined with high humidity. Generally used for weather conditions. Usually has a negative connotation.

  • The sweltering heat made it hard to breathe
  • It was a sweltering summer afternoon
scorching

Used to describe something extremely hot, particularly weather that is uncomfortably or unbearably hot.

  • The desert sun was scorching
  • It's a scorching hot day outside
boiling

Typically used to describe liquids that have reached their boiling point or metaphorically to describe extreme heat. Can also be used hyperbolically about emotions.

  • The water is boiling; it's ready for the pasta
  • He was boiling with anger

Examples of usage

  • It's really hot outside today.
  • The coffee is too hot to drink.
Context #2 | Adjective

popular

Very popular or in demand.

Synonyms

fashionable, in demand, popular, trendy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hot

Commonly used to describe something that is very much liked or sought after at the current time. It can refer to objects, trends, or even people, but has an informal tone.

  • This new smartphone is really hot right now.
  • That band is the hottest act in town.
popular

Applicable to a wide variety of subjects including people, places, events, and objects that are well-liked by a large number of people. Neutral tone and widely used.

  • Pizza is a popular food choice among teenagers.
  • The park is a popular spot for family outings.
trendy

Often used to describe the latest styles in fashion, technology, or social behavior that are prevalent among certain groups, especially younger people. Informal and slightly more casual.

  • She always shops at the trendiest stores.
  • That dance move is really trendy on social media.
in demand

Used to describe something that many people want or need at a specific time. Particularly suitable for products, services, or job skills. Formal and often used in professional contexts.

  • Skilled software developers are in high demand.
  • Tickets for the concert are in great demand.
fashionable

Appropriate for describing clothing, accessories, and lifestyle choices that are currently in vogue. Often used in a formal or semi-formal context.

  • She always wears the most fashionable outfits.
  • Minimalist decor is very fashionable these days.

Examples of usage

  • This new video game is really hot right now.
  • The latest fashion trend is hot among teenagers.
Context #3 | Noun

food

A spicy flavor that creates a burning sensation in the mouth.

Synonyms

fiery, pungent, spicy, zesty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hot

Used to describe high temperature, often of an object, weather, or food.

  • It's too hot outside to go for a walk.
  • Be careful, the soup is very hot.
spicy

Refers to food that has a strong flavor from spices, causing a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth.

  • I can't eat too much of that curry; it's very spicy.
  • She likes to add spicy salsa to her tacos.
fiery

Implies intense heat or burning sensation, often used metaphorically to describe strong emotions, passion, or personality.

  • She has a fiery temper that can be hard to handle.
  • The fiery sunset painted the sky in brilliant colors.
zesty

Indicates lively or invigorating flavor or quality, often used to describe food or someone's personality.

  • The lemony dressing gave the salad a zesty kick.
  • She's known for her zesty sense of humor.
pungent

Describes a strong, sharp smell or taste that can be either unpleasant or pleasant. Often used with smells or tastes.

  • The pungent aroma of garlic filled the kitchen.
  • He wrinkled his nose at the pungent smell of the cheese.

Examples of usage

  • I love to add hot sauce to my food for some extra flavor.
  • The curry has a really nice hot taste.

Translations

Translations of the word "hot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quente

🇮🇳 गरम

🇩🇪 heiß

🇮🇩 panas

🇺🇦 гарячий

🇵🇱 gorący

🇯🇵 暑い (atsui)

🇫🇷 chaud

🇪🇸 caliente

🇹🇷 sıcak

🇰🇷 뜨거운 (tteugeoun)

🇸🇦 حار

🇨🇿 horký

🇸🇰 horúci

🇨🇳 热 (rè)

🇸🇮 vroč

🇮🇸 heitt

🇰🇿 ыстық

🇬🇪 ცხელი (tskheli)

🇦🇿 isti

🇲🇽 caliente

Etymology

The word 'hot' originated from the Old English word 'hat', which meant 'having a high degree of heat'. Over time, the word evolved to also mean 'popular' or 'in demand'. The use of 'hot' to describe spicy food flavors likely developed from the sensation of heat experienced when consuming spicy ingredients.

See also: hotbox, hotkey, hotness, hotplate, hotpot, hotspot, hottie.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,298, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.