Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Wintery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❄️
Add to dictionary

wintery

[ˈwɪntəri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

weather description

The term 'wintery' refers to conditions associated with winter, often characterized by cold temperatures, snow, and ice. It can describe not only the weather but also the overall atmosphere during wintertime. The word conveys a sense of chill, often evoking imagery of snow-covered landscapes and frosty mornings. In literature and conversation, it reflects a season marked by dormancy and quietude in nature.

Synonyms

chilly, cold, frosty, wintry.

Examples of usage

  • The wintery landscape was breathtaking.
  • We bundled up for the wintery evening.
  • The wintery weather forced us to stay indoors.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Seasonal Changes

  • In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins around December 21 and lasts until March 20.
  • Snow forms when temperatures drop below freezing, causing water vapor in the air to crystallize.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate winter festivals, such as Christmas and Hanukkah, emphasizing themes of warmth and togetherness during the cold months.
  • In literature, winter has often symbolized death or dormancy, but also regeneration and hope for the spring.

Natural Environment

  • Certain animals, like bears and certain birds, adapt to the wintery conditions by hibernating or migrating to warmer climates.
  • Wintery landscapes are often characterized by bare trees, frosty air, and snowy hills, creating stunning scenery.

Weather Patterns

  • Winter storms can bring significant snowfall, leading to both the beauty of winter landscapes and challenges for travel and safety.
  • Meteorologically, a wintery day is often associated with low temperatures, wind, and sometimes precipitation like snow or sleet.

Origin of 'wintery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'wīntra,' which means 'winter season.'
  • It has Germanic roots, linking it to similar words in languages like Dutch and German that refer to the cold months.

The word 'wintery' originates from the root 'winter', which comes from the Old English 'winter', meaning 'the cold season'. It has Germanic roots, akin to the Old High German 'wintar' and the Old Norse 'vetr', which also denote the winter season. The adjective form 'wintery' emerged in English to describe attributes or conditions typical of winter. Its usage can be traced back to early Middle English, where adjectives often reflected not just temperature but also the quality of seasonal experiences. Over time, 'wintery' has been adopted into common usage, especially in creative and poetic contexts to convey the essence of winter. As the language has evolved, so has the application of the term, appearing in various literary works to evoke the inherent beauty and harshness of the season.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,134, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.