Wet: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used for something covered in water or another liquid. Commonly used in everyday language.

• My shoes are wet because I stepped in a puddle
• The grass is wet with morning dew

Used when something is slightly wet, often with a connotation of unpleasantness or discomfort.

• The basement is damp and smells musty
• My clothes still feel damp because they didn't dry completely

Often used to describe something that is pleasantly or appropriately wet, like food or soil.

• The cake is deliciously moist and fluffy
• The soil needs to be kept moist for the seedlings to grow

Refers to something that has become overly wet, often to the point of being mushy and unappealing.

• The cereal got soggy because it was in the milk too long
• The soggy ground made it hard to walk

Describes something completely soaked with water or another liquid, often to the point of being uncomfortable.

• He got drenched in the rain without an umbrella
• After the water fight, we were all drenched from head to toe

This word generally has a negative connotation when describing someone as inexperienced. It implies a lack of readiness or capability. Often, it can be seen as condescending.

• He's still wet behind the ears and not ready for that kind of responsibility.
• You can tell she's new here; she's still pretty wet about the whole process.

This is a neutral and formal term. It is often used to describe someone who is new to a particular activity or subject, and implies they are still learning the basics.

• As a novice in cooking, he found the recipe a bit overwhelming.
• I started as a novice, but with time and practice, I got much better.

This word is neutral and is used to describe someone who is just starting to learn or pursue something. It doesn't carry any negative connotations and can be used in many situations.

• She is a beginner at playing the guitar, but she’s improving quickly.
• As a beginner, don't be afraid to make mistakes; it's part of the learning process.

Use this word to describe someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. It can also indicate a lack of expertise or professionalism, but doesn't always carry a negative tone.

• He's an amateur photographer, but his photos are quite impressive.
• That mistake was so obvious, only an amateur would make it.

This phrase is relatively neutral and straightforward, often used in more formal or professional contexts. It describes someone who doesn't have much experience in a particular field or activity.

• An inexperienced person might find this task quite challenging.
• We need someone who can guide an inexperienced person through the initial stages of the project.

General term for making something covered or soaked with liquid, often used in everyday conversation.

• Don't get your clothes wet in the rain.
• The dog came inside and wet the floor.

To make something slightly wet, often used in more delicate or controlled situations, frequently in cooking or personal care.

• Moisten the cake with a bit of syrup.
• Moisten your skin with this lotion.

To make something slightly wet or damp, often used in contexts where light or moderate moisture is added.

• Dampen the cloth before cleaning the table.
• The morning dew dampened the grass.

To thoroughly soak or fill something with liquid to the point where it cannot hold any more, typically used in scientific, technical, or precise contexts.

• Saturate the sponge with water before cleaning.
• The soil was saturated after the heavy rains.

To soak something completely with liquid, implying a large amount or full coverage, often in dramatic or intensive situations.

• The sudden downpour drenched everyone outside.
• He was drenched in sweat after the intense workout.