Sultriest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
sultriest
[หsษltrฤษst ]
Definition
weather description
Sultriest refers to the most oppressively warm and humid weather conditions, often making the atmosphere feel heavy and sweltering. This term is typically used to describe a type of oppressive heat that is uncomfortable and stifling.
Synonyms
hottest, oppressive, steamiest, sweltering.
Examples of usage
- The sultriest days of summer can be unbearable.
- She found the sultriest nights perfect for stargazing.
- We avoided the sultriest hours of the day to go hiking.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- The term often appears in music and literature, like in jazz songs, conveying a mood of sensuality.
- In films, characters described as โsultryโ often possess a mysterious or enticing quality that draws others in.
- Fashion magazines frequently use the term to describe clothing styles that enhance allure, often during summer editions.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that sultriness can evoke strong emotional responses, often linked to attraction or passion.
- People often associate sultriness with confidence, leading to perceptions of attractiveness regardless of physical features.
- The heat of a sultry day can affect mood and behavior, making individuals feel more relaxed or flirtatious.
Weather Patterns
- Sultriest days often occur in regions close to the equator, where humidity levels are high.
- In meteorology, sultriness can increase discomfort levels, impacting human activities during summer months.
- Weather-related discussions can feature words like 'sultry' when discussing heat waves or tropical climates.
Literature
- In poetry, sultriness often symbolizes temptation or desire, creating vivid imagery of scenes drenched in heat.
- Classic novels may use 'sultry' settings to reflect a character's emotional state, enhancing the narrative tension.
- Romantic literature frequently stylizes characters as sultry to capitalize on themes of passion and desire.
Origin of 'sultriest'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sultricus', which means 'sultry or oppressive', emphasizing heat.
- It became popular in the English language in the late 1800s, often linked to weather and attraction.
- Over time, 'sultry' evolved to describe not just weather but also people who exude a certain allure.
The word 'sultry' comes from the Old English 'sweltan', which means 'to die' or 'to perish,' relating to the oppressive heat that can lead to discomfort or even heat-related illnesses. The usage of 'sultry' in the context of weather conditions began to emerge in the 14th century, evolving from a broader meaning that described anything that made one feel faint or weak. Over time, 'sultry' has taken on a more specific meaning associated with warm and humid weather, and the superlative form 'sultriest' emphasizes the extremes of such conditions. This evolution reflects how language adapts to describe human experiences and the environment, capturing the intensity of weather phenomena that can affect daily life.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,823, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.