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Sweat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sweat

[swษ›t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical activity

A clear, salty liquid secreted by glands in the skin, especially when one is hot or has been exercising.

Synonyms

droplets, moisture, perspiration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sweat

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of the body producing fluid through glands, usually due to heat, physical activity, or stress.

  • He started to sweat after running a mile.
  • She felt the sweat dripping down her back during the hot day.
perspiration

A more formal or technical term for sweat, often used in medical, scientific, or formal settings.

  • Perspiration can help cool the body when it is overheated.
  • He wiped the perspiration from his brow during the intense workout.
moisture

Describes a general presence of water or liquid, can be used to talk about humidity, dampness, or slight wetness, not limited to sweat.

  • The moisture in the air made it feel warmer.
  • There was a lot of moisture on the bathroom mirror after the shower.
droplets

Typically refers to small drops of liquid, often in scientific or descriptive contexts, and can be used more broadly beyond the concept of sweat.

  • The droplets of rain splashed against the window.
  • Tiny droplets of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Examples of usage

  • I was covered in sweat after my workout.
  • She wiped the sweat from her forehead with a towel.
Context #2 | Verb

exertion

To excrete perspiration through the pores in the skin, typically as a result of heat or physical exertion.

Synonyms

beads, exude, perspire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sweat

Another similar word for 'sweat', already described above. This entry could be considered a duplicate

  • He sweat a lot during the game
  • She could feel herself start to sweat in the hot room
perspire

A more formal or medical term for sweating, often used in written language, formal conversations, or medical contexts.

  • The doctor noted that the patient began to perspire during the examination
  • People tend to perspire more in hot climates
exude

Used to describe the process of slowly and steadily releasing a substance, not only sweat but also other liquids or even abstract things like confidence or charm.

  • The injured tree began to exude sap
  • She exudes confidence and grace in every situation
beads

Typically used to describe small drops of sweat or other liquids that form on the surface of the skin or objects. It often conveys a more visual and detailed image.

  • Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he ran
  • The beads of condensation on the glass made it look refreshing

Examples of usage

  • She sweated profusely during her intense workout.
  • The athletes were sweating heavily after the game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Sweat is primarily composed of water, but it also contains salts and small amounts of other substances like urea.
  • Your body has millions of sweat glands. When they heat up, they release moisture to keep you cool.
  • Sweating helps regulate body temperature by releasing heat through evaporation.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, sweating is seen as a sign of hard work or effort, especially in athletic contexts.
  • Some cultures view sweating as important for health; practices like sauna use encourage sweating for detoxification.
  • The phrase 'sweat equity' refers to the value that an individual can bring to a project through hard work.

Psychology

  • Sweating can be linked to emotions; people may sweat more when they are nervous or scared.
  • The bodyโ€™s response to stress includes sweating, which is part of the 'fight or flight' reaction.
  • Some studies indicate that the scent of sweat can convey emotional states to others, influencing social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often use sweating as a metaphor for passion, hard work, or determination, emphasizing its symbolic value.
  • Fitness trends and workout cultures emphasize sweating as evidence of a good workout or effort.
  • Sweat has inspired various art forms, from literature discussing the human experience to visuals depicting intense physical activity.

Origin of 'sweat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sweat' comes from the Old English word 'swฤ“at', meaning 'to perspire'.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'sueur' in French and 'sudor' in Spanish, all trace back to Latin origins.
  • Historically, the understanding of perspiration dates back thousands of years to ancient Greeks, who used it to describe the body's cooling process.

The word 'sweat' originated from the Old English 'swat', which means 'sweat'. The concept of sweating has been a natural human phenomenon since ancient times, used to cool the body and eliminate toxins. Throughout history, sweating has been associated with physical exertion, heat, and even emotional stress.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,776 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.