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Oily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oily

[ˈɔɪli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

skin care

Covered with or containing oil; greasy.

Synonyms

fatty, greasy, slick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oily

Used to describe something covered or soaked with oil. Often used in contexts related to cooking, skin care, or machinery.

  • Her skin felt oily after using the wrong moisturizer
  • The pasta was a bit too oily for my taste
greasy

Describes something covered with or resembling grease, often used in a negative way to describe dirty or unpleasant textures, especially in food or surfaces.

  • The diner served greasy burgers and fries
  • His hands were greasy after fixing the car
slick

Generally used to describe something smooth and slippery. Can also refer to someone being suave or polished but sometimes insincere.

  • The road was slick after the rain
  • He is known for his slick presentation skills, but people don't always trust him
fatty

Refers to something that contains a large amount of fat, often in the context of food. Can have a negative connotation when describing unhealthy or unappealing food.

  • The steak was very fatty, which some people might not like
  • Eating too many fatty foods can lead to health problems

Examples of usage

  • Her face looked shiny and oily after applying the moisturizer.
  • The mechanic's hands were oily from working on the car.
Context #2 | Adjective

food

Containing or covered with oil; having a slick or greasy feel.

Synonyms

fatty, greasy, slick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oily

Used to describe something covered with or containing oil. Often used for food or to describe the texture of skin or hair.

  • Her skin tends to be oily, especially in the summer.
  • The fried chicken was too oily for my liking.
greasy

Used to describe something that is covered with or resembles grease. Often refers to food that leaves a greasy residue, or can describe unclean surfaces. Often negative.

  • The mechanic's hands were greasy from working on the car.
  • After eating that greasy pizza, I felt a bit sick.
fatty

Usually refers to food that has a high fat content. Can also describe a substance that looks or feels like fat. Often has a negative connotation when discussing health.

  • Bacon is quite fatty and should be eaten in moderation.
  • He avoids fatty foods for a healthier diet.
slick

Refers to something smooth and shiny, often as a result of being covered in a liquid such as oil or water. Can also describe something done in a very organized and efficient way.

  • The roads were slick with rain, making driving hazardous.
  • The presentation was really slick and professional.

Examples of usage

  • The pizza was delicious, but a bit too oily for my liking.
  • The stir-fried noodles were too oily and left a heavy feeling in my stomach.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Food Science

  • Oily foods can provide a rich source of flavor, but they also tend to be high in calories.
  • Certain oils, like olive oil, contain healthy fats that can benefit your heart when consumed in moderation.
  • The texture of oily foods can enhance sensory experiences, influencing how we perceive taste and aroma.

Environmental Impact

  • Oil spills can severely harm marine life, drowning habitats and poisoning ecosystems.
  • In some cultures, cooking oils are pressed from seeds, nuts, or fruits, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
  • The quest for oil has significantly influenced global politics, leading to conflicts and economic debates.

Literature

  • In literature, descriptions of oily surfaces often evoke feelings of unease or chaos, illustrating tension in the narrative.
  • Famous literary characters like the 'Oily Rag' symbolize deceit or untrustworthy traits in a story.
  • Poets frequently use oily imagery to convey emotions associated with change or transformation.

Health and Beauty

  • Certain skincare products are described as oily, indicating they provide moisture but may not suit all skin types.
  • Oily hair often requires specific shampoos to manage excess grease and maintain a clean look.
  • Dietary oils can affect skin health; omega-3s, found in fish oil, are known for improving skin elasticity.

Origin of 'oily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'oily' comes from the Old French 'oil', which has roots in the Latin term 'oleum', meaning oil.
  • English has used the term since the 15th century to describe things that have the qualities of oil.
  • The transition from Latin to French reflects how cooking and oil production evolved in European culture.

The word 'oily' originated in the late 14th century from the Old French word 'oile' meaning oil. It has been used to describe things that are covered with or contain oil, giving them a greasy or slick texture. Over time, 'oily' has become commonly used in various contexts such as skin care and food to indicate the presence of oil or a greasy feel.

See also: oil, oiliness, oiling.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,645, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.