Rainy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rainy

[ˈreɪni ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather

Characterized by or marked by rainfall. Receiving, resembling, or abounding in rain.

Synonyms

damp, drizzly, moist, showery, wet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rainy	Used to describe weather with significant rainfall. It is a broad term and can be used for any situation that involves rain. It's going to be a rainy day, so don't forget your umbrella. We had a rainy weekend and couldn't go to the beach.
wet	A general term for something covered or saturated with water. It is more straightforward and can describe anything from weather to objects. The grass was wet after the night’s rain. Please don’t walk on the wet floor; it’s slippery.
showery	Describes weather with intermittent or scattered showers. Indicates that rain comes and goes in short bursts. Tomorrow’s forecast is showery, with periods of sunshine between the rain. We had a showery afternoon, but it cleared up by evening.
damp	Describes a state of slight wetness or moisture. Often used to describe conditions that are mildly uncomfortable due to humidity or lingering moisture. The basement is always damp, especially after it rains. I hate wearing damp clothes; they make me feel chilly.
drizzly	Refers to light rain with fine droplets. Used to describe gentle or consistent rainfall that is not heavy. It was a drizzly morning, so we postponed our picnic. I love taking walks in drizzly weather; it’s so calming.
moist	Describes something that is slightly wet or damp. Generally, it has a more positive or neutral connotation compared to 'damp'. Often used for food or environmental conditions. The cake was deliciously moist. The soil needs to be kept moist for the plants to thrive.

Examples of usage

It's a rainy day today.
She loves walking in the rainy weather.
The rainy season has arrived.
The forecast predicts a rainy week ahead.
We need to prepare for the rainy weather.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

mood

Sad or gloomy; associated with feelings of sadness or depression.

Synonyms

depressed, dismal, gloomy, melancholic, sad.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rainy	This word refers to weather conditions where it is raining. It can be used to describe a specific day or period. It's a rainy day; don't forget your umbrella. We had a picnic planned, but now it's rainy.
sad	This word is a general term to describe a feeling of unhappiness or sorrow. It can be used in many situations, both serious and lighthearted. She was sad to say goodbye to her friends. It's sad that the concert got canceled.
gloomy	This word is used to describe an atmosphere or mood that is dark, hopeless, or melancholy. It can describe both physical environments and emotional states. The house looked gloomy under the overcast sky. He had a gloomy outlook on the future.
depressed	This word describes a state of deep sadness or despair and is often used in a clinical or serious emotional context. It is not appropriate for lighthearted use. After losing his job, he felt really depressed. She has been feeling depressed for the past few months.
melancholic	Use this word to describe a deep, reflective sadness that often has a poetic or artistic quality. It can describe moods, music, or literature. The melancholic melody of the violin made everyone feel reflective. She felt melancholic as she looked through old photos.
dismal	Use this word to describe something that is bleak, dreary, or very poor in quality. It can describe weather, places, situations, or results. The team's performance was dismal; they lost all their matches. It was a dismal afternoon, with dark clouds and cold winds.

Examples of usage

She was feeling a bit rainy after the news.
His rainy expression hinted at his inner turmoil.
Don't let a rainy mood cloud your day.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Weather Phenomena

Rain occurs when clouds become heavy with water droplets and can't hold them anymore.
There are different types of rain, including light rain, heavy rain, and drizzles, which vary in intensity.
Certain areas, like rainforests, receive rain almost every day, making them very green and full of life.

Cultural References

Rainy days are often associated with feelings of coziness, leading to the popularity of indoor activities like reading and watching movies.
Various songs and poems celebrate rainy days, using them as metaphors for sadness or renewal.
In many cultures, rain is a symbol of fertility and growth, seen as a blessing for crops.

Psychological Effects

Research suggests that rainy weather can influence mood, often making people feel more melancholic or reflective.
However, some find rainy days calming, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and introspection.
The scent of rain, known as petrichor, can evoke pleasant memories and feelings of nostalgia for many people.

Science of Rain

Rain is a critical part of the water cycle, which includes evaporation and condensation, helping to replenish freshwater sources.
One raindrop can take around an hour to fall from a cloud to the ground, depending on its size and the weather conditions.
Clouds that produce rain are called 'nimbostratus' or 'cumulonimbus,' with the latter often associated with thunderstorms.

Literature and Art

Authors like Virginia Woolf and Gabriel Garcia Marquez have described rain as a powerful element in their narratives, representing change and emotion.
In visual arts, rainy scenes are often depicted to convey mood; the interplay of light and water can create dramatic effects.
Many children's books use rain as a backdrop to teach lessons about nature, friendship, and resilience.

Origin of 'rainy'

The word 'rainy' is derived from the Old English word 'regnig,' which is related to the Middle High German word 'regnec.' The concept of rain has been central to human existence since ancient times, with rain playing a vital role in agriculture, ecosystems, and weather patterns. The association of rain with emotions like sadness or gloominess has also influenced the use of 'rainy' to describe moods or feelings.

See also: rain, raincoat, rainfall, rainforest, rainproof, rainstorm.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,565 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9562 flushed
9563 attaching
9564 unloading
9565 rainy
9566 kernel
9567 tributary
9568 aspiration
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