What does balmy mean Meaning and Definition
What does balmy mean
Pronunciation
/ˈbæmɪ/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
balmy (adjective): characterizing a temperature and atmosphere that is pleasantly warm and neither excessively hot nor cold, often used to describe weather.
Examples
- The balmy summer evenings were perfect for outdoor gatherings.
- She enjoyed the balmy breeze on the beach.
Synonyms
- Warm
- Mild
- Comfortable
Antonyms
- Cold
- Freezing
- Scorching
Etymology
The word ‘balmy’ comes from the Middle English word ‘balme’, derived from the Old English word ‘bealm’, meaning ‘honey’. Initially, it referred to an alkaloid mixture extracted from a succulent plant, and later diversified to describe a temperament or weather.
Usage Notes
In general, the usage of ‘balmy’ is to describe the pleasant warmth of the environment, typically in climatic conditions. It can be used interchangeably with ‘warm’ and ‘mild’.
Cultural References
The word ‘balmy’ has appeared in various works of literature, such as Shakespeare’s ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ and British author H.E. Bates’s ‘The Plover’. It is also frequently used in modern popular culture to describe appealing temperatures and weather conditions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘Having a balmy day,’ meaning having a temperate and pleasant day, usually without rain.
Related Words or Phrases
‘Balm’, a syrupy ointment used to soothe irritated skin, shares the same etymology.
Collocations
Examples of word combinations include:
- balmy evenings
- balmy night air
- balmy climate
Frequency of Use
The word ‘balmy’ is relatively uncommon in modern language usage, and its application tends to be limited to describing pleasant weather conditions.
Common Misspellings
‘Balmey’, ‘Balmye’, ‘Balmye’.