Humidity: meaning, definitions and examples

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humidity

 

[ hjuːˈmɪdɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

weather

The amount of water vapor present in the air.

Synonyms

dampness, moisture level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humidity

Use 'humidity' when referring to the amount of water vapor in the air, often in weather reports or discussions about climate.

  • The humidity is really high today, making it feel much hotter.
  • Can you feel the humidity? It's making my hair frizzy.
moisture level

Refer to 'moisture level' when discussing the amount of water content in materials or the environment, often in technical or scientific discussions.

  • The soil's moisture level is perfect for planting these seeds.
  • We need to monitor the moisture level of the wood before construction.
dampness

This word is best used when describing something slightly wet, often in the context of an unpleasant or unwanted wetness, like in a basement or clothing.

  • I need to dry my clothes; the dampness from the rain has left them uncomfortable to wear.
  • We need to fix that leak to avoid dampness in the walls.

Examples of usage

  • High humidity can make the air feel sticky and uncomfortable.
  • Low humidity can lead to dry skin and respiratory problems.
Context #2 | Noun

science

A measure of the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

Synonyms

moisture content, water vapor concentration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humidity

Commonly used in weather forecasts and household contexts to describe how much water vapor is in the air. It's often used in discussions about comfort levels, weather changes, and indoor conditions.

  • The humidity is very high today; it feels quite sticky outside.
  • You should use a dehumidifier in your basement to control the humidity.
moisture content

Often used in scientific, agricultural, or industrial settings to precisely measure the amount of water present in materials, soil, or food products.

  • The moisture content of the soil needs to be checked before planting crops.
  • High moisture content in the wood can lead to warping and damage.
water vapor concentration

Used in scientific and technical contexts to discuss the precise measurement of water vapor present in the air, often in terms of volume or percentage. It's less common in everyday conversations.

  • The water vapor concentration in the atmosphere affects cloud formation and weather patterns.
  • Scientists measure the water vapor concentration to study climate change.

Examples of usage

  • Scientists use various instruments to measure humidity levels in the air.
  • Humidity plays a crucial role in weather forecasting.

Translations

Translations of the word "humidity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 umidade

🇮🇳 नमी

🇩🇪 Feuchtigkeit

🇮🇩 kelembaban

🇺🇦 вологість

🇵🇱 wilgotność

🇯🇵 湿度

🇫🇷 humidité

🇪🇸 humedad

🇹🇷 nem

🇰🇷 습도

🇸🇦 رطوبة

🇨🇿 vlhkost

🇸🇰 vlhkosť

🇨🇳 湿度

🇸🇮 vlažnost

🇮🇸 raki

🇰🇿 ылғалдылық

🇬🇪 ტენიანობა

🇦🇿 rütubət

🇲🇽 humedad

Etymology

The word 'humidity' originated from the Latin word 'humiditas', which means moisture or dampness. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the moisture content in the air. Humidity is a key factor in various fields such as meteorology, agriculture, and health, influencing everything from crop growth to human comfort levels.

See also: dehumidifier.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,858 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.