Smoggy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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smoggy

[ˈsmɒɡi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather conditions

Characterized by a thick, dirty, or harmful fog or haze in the air.

Synonyms

foggy, hazy, polluted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smoggy	Used to describe air conditions in urban areas with both fog and pollution mixed, often caused by vehicle emissions or industrial activities. The city was smoggy today, making it hard to breathe. Smoggy weather warnings were issued due to high levels of pollution.
hazy	Refers to conditions where the air is not clear, often due to humidity, dust, or smoke, but not necessarily pollution. The mountains appeared hazy in the distance as the day warmed up. Summer days are often hazy due to the high humidity.
foggy	Describes weather conditions with thick fog, impairing visibility, usually associated with natural moisture in the air. It was so foggy this morning that I could barely see the road. The plane couldn't land because the airport was too foggy.
polluted	Describes air, water, or other environments that have been contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances, generally carrying a negative connotation. The river was so polluted that it was unsafe to swim in. They had to wear masks because the air was heavily polluted.

Examples of usage

The city was covered in a smoggy haze.
The smoggy weather made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

atmosphere

Filled with or smelling of smoke and fog.

Synonyms

foggy, polluted, smoky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smoggy	This word is used when the air is filled with smog, a mixture of fog and pollution, typically in urban areas. The city was smoggy due to heavy traffic and industrial emissions. It's hard to see the skyline with the smoggy conditions.
smoky	Use this word when there's visible smoke in the air, often due to fires or burning. The kitchen became smoky when the food started burning. The forest fire left the area smoky and hard to breathe in.
foggy	Use this word when referring to natural atmospheric conditions where there's thick mist or fog, usually due to weather. The morning was foggy, making it hard to drive. The foggy weather is common in coastal areas.
polluted	This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe air, water, or land that is dirty and contaminated by harmful substances. The river has become polluted due to industrial waste. People are advised not to go outside because the air is heavily polluted.

Examples of usage

The smoggy room made it hard to breathe.
The smoggy air in the factory was unbearable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

Smog can harm both health and the environment; it often leads to respiratory issues and reduced visibility.
Two main types of smog are industrial smog, which comes from factories, and photochemical smog, caused by vehicle emissions in sunlight.

Health

Exposure to smog can lead to numerous health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of smoggy air.

Cultural References

Smog has been depicted in various forms of media, often representing industrial pollution and urban decay in films and literature.
In the Disney movie 'Mary Poppins', the smog over London helps set the mood for the story's adventure in a gritty, urban landscape.

Geography

Cities like Los Angeles and Beijing are known for smog issues, primarily due to high automobile usage and industrial activities.
Weather patterns can influence smog levels; temperature inversions often trap pollution closer to the ground, worsening air quality.

Origin of 'smoggy'

Main points about word origin

The word originated in the early 20th century, combining 'smoke' and 'fog' to describe polluted air.
It was first used in print in 1905, reflecting growing concerns about air pollution in industrial cities.

The word 'smoggy' originates from the combination of 'smoke' and 'fog'. The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the polluted air in industrial cities. As urban areas grew, the problem of smog became more prevalent, leading to increased awareness of the environmental impact. Today, 'smoggy' is commonly used to describe hazy, polluted air conditions.