Wintry: meaning, definitions and examples

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wintry

 

[ ˈwɪntri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

weather conditions

The term 'wintry' is used to describe weather that is characteristic of winter. This may include cold temperatures, snowfall, and frost. It evokes a sense of chill and can refer to both the atmospheric conditions as well as the aesthetic qualities associated with winter. Wintry landscapes often feature a serene beauty, while wintry weather can bring challenges such as icy roads. In literature, the wintry season is commonly associated with themes of quietness and introspection.

Synonyms

chilly, cold, frosty, snowy

Examples of usage

  • The wintry landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.
  • We stayed indoors during the wintry storm.
  • Wintry conditions made travel difficult.

Translations

Translations of the word "wintry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invernal

🇮🇳 शीतकालीन

🇩🇪 winterlich

🇮🇩 musim dingin

🇺🇦 зимовий

🇵🇱 zimowy

🇯🇵 冬の (ふゆの)

🇫🇷 hivernal

🇪🇸 invernal

🇹🇷 kışa ait

🇰🇷 겨울의 (겨울의)

🇸🇦 شتوي

🇨🇿 zimní

🇸🇰 zimný

🇨🇳 冬季的 (dōngjì de)

🇸🇮 zimski

🇮🇸 vetrar

🇰🇿 қысқы

🇬🇪 ზამთროს (zamtrós)

🇦🇿 qış

🇲🇽 invernal

Etymology

The word 'wintry' originates from the Old English word 'winter', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*wintruz', meaning 'winter, wet season'. This Proto-Germanic term is connected to the ancient Proto-Indo-European root '*wend-', meaning 'to turn, to wind', possibly referencing the turning of seasons. The term has been in use in the English language since at least the 14th century. The suffix '-y' in 'wintry' is used to form adjectives that mean 'having the quality of' or 'pertaining to'. Thus, 'wintry' literally translates to 'having the quality of winter'. Over the centuries, the word has been used in various literary and poetic contexts to describe not only weather but also to evoke particular moods associated with the winter season.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,107, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.