Sultry Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsʌltrɪ/

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Sultry refers to a warm and humid climate or atmosphere, often characterized by high temperatures and humidity. It can also describe someone or something that is attractive and seductive, often in a subtle or suggestive way.

Examples

1. “The sultry summer evening was perfect for a romantic dinner on the beach.”

2. “Her sultry voice and charming smile captivated the audience.”

Synonyms

1. Sweltering

2. Torrid

3. Seductive

Antonyms

1. Cool

2. Chilly

3. Unattractive

Additional Information

Sultry is often used to describe weather conditions, but it can also be used to describe a person’s behavior, voice, or appearance. In a broader sense, sultry can refer to a place or atmosphere that is rich and intense, often with a sense of mystery or allure.

In literature and poetry, sultry is often used to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, a sultry summer evening might be described as a time of languid heat and lazy days. In music, sultry can refer to a smooth and seductive sound, often associated with jazz or blues.

In everyday language, sultry is often used to describe someone or something that is attractive and appealing. For example, a sultry smile or a sultry voice might be used to describe someone who is charming and seductive.

Etymology

The word sultry comes from the Old English word “sulh”, which means “sweltering” or “hot”. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe weather conditions, and has since been extended to describe people, places, and things that are attractive and seductive.

Usage Notes

Sultry is often used in formal or literary contexts to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. In informal contexts, it can be used to describe someone or something that is attractive and appealing.

When using sultry to describe weather conditions, it is often paired with words like “summer” or “evening” to create a sense of time and place. When using sultry to describe a person or thing, it is often paired with words like “smile” or “voice” to create a sense of action or behavior.

Cultural References

Sultry has been used in a variety of cultural contexts to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, in literature, sultry is often used to describe the settings of novels and poems. In music, sultry is often used to describe the sound of jazz or blues.

In film and television, sultry is often used to describe the atmosphere of a scene or the behavior of a character. For example, a sultry summer evening might be used as the setting for a romantic scene, or a sultry smile might be used to describe a character’s behavior.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Sultry summer evening” – a warm and humid evening, often associated with romance or relaxation.

2. “Sultry smile” – a charming and seductive smile, often used to describe someone who is attractive and appealing.

Collocations

1. Sultry summer evening

2. Sultry smile

3. Sultry voice

Frequency of Use

Sultry is a moderately common word in modern language, often used in formal or literary contexts to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. It is less commonly used in informal contexts, but can be used to describe someone or something that is attractive and appealing.

Common Misspellings

1. Sultry – often misspelled as “sultrye” or “sultrie”.

2. Sultry – often confused with “sweltering” or “torrid”, which have similar meanings but different connotations.