Snowy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snowy

[ˈsnəʊi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

Covered with, characterized by, or consisting of snow.

Synonyms

frosty, powdery, white.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snowy

Used to describe a situation or weather condition where there is a lot of snow. Often used for descriptive purposes in weather reports or casual conversations.

  • The roads are very snowy today, so drive carefully.
  • We had a snowy Christmas this year!
white

Used to describe the color of snow or an object's color that is pure and light. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

  • The landscape was completely white after the storm.
  • She wore a beautiful white dress to the wedding.
frosty

Used to describe a very cold temperature where frost is present. It often implies a cold, crisp feeling and can be used to describe both weather and objects.

  • It's frosty outside, the grass is covered in a thin layer of ice.
  • She gave him a frosty look when he entered the room.
powdery

Used to describe snow that is light, fluffy, and dry, typically ideal for activities like skiing. It can also refer to other substances that have a fine, loose texture.

  • The skiers love the powdery snow on the slopes today.
  • She brushed the powdery sand off her feet.

Examples of usage

  • The children enjoyed playing in the snowy park.
  • We woke up to a beautiful snowy landscape this morning.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

White or pale in color, resembling snow.

Synonyms

bleached, pale, white.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snowy

Use 'snowy' when describing something covered with or resembling snow, particularly in weather contexts.

  • The mountain peaks were snowy
  • It was a snowy day
white

Use 'white' when referring to the color itself, something that is completely or nearly without color, or symbolically associated with purity.

  • She wore a white wedding dress
  • The walls are painted white
pale

Use 'pale' when describing something that lacks color or is light in color, often associated with illness or a lack of vitality.

  • His face turned pale when he heard the news
  • She wore a pale blue dress
bleached

Use 'bleached' to describe something that has been whitened or faded by exposure to chemicals or sunlight.

  • The old photographs were bleached from years of sunlight
  • Her hair looked bleached after the beach vacation

Examples of usage

  • Her hair was a snowy white.
  • The snowy egret is a beautiful bird.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Snowflakes are unique; each one forms differently depending on temperature and humidity, leading to the saying that no two are alike.
  • The process of snow formation starts with tiny ice crystals in clouds that grow by attracting water vapor.
  • Snow can act as an insulator, protecting plants and animals from extreme cold during winter months.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Frozen' showcase snow-rich environments, highlighting tales of adventure in snowy landscapes.
  • Many winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, rely heavily on snowy conditions for safety and fun.
  • In holiday traditions, snowy settings are often depicted in festive cards and movies, symbolizing a magical winter season.

Literature

  • Snowy settings often symbolize purity, isolation, or new beginnings in literary works.
  • The imagery of snow is frequently used by poets to evoke emotions related to coldness, serenity, or melancholy.
  • Books like 'The Chronicles of Narnia' use snowy landscapes to create magical, otherworldly realms.

Psychology

  • Studies show that snowy weather can impact human mood, sometimes leading to feelings of sadness, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • Conversely, many people associate snow with joy, nostalgia, and childhood memories of playing outside.
  • The contrast of warm indoor environments against cold snowy weather can evoke feelings of comfort and coziness.

Origin of 'snowy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'snow' comes from the Old English 'snāw', which is related to words in other Germanic languages.
  • The addition of the 'y' makes it an adjective, describing the quality of something being covered with snow.
  • The use of 'snowy' became popular in the English language during the Middle Ages as people settled in snow-rich regions.

The word 'snowy' originated from the combination of 'snow' + '-y', with 'snow' itself having Old English and Germanic roots. The adjective 'snowy' has been used in English since the 14th century to describe anything related to or resembling snow.


See also: snow, snowboard, snowboarder, snowfall, snowflake, snowslide, snowslip, snowstorm.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,135, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.