warmth

From Middle English warmth, warmeth, wermþe, from Old English *wiermþu (“warmth”), from Proto-West Germanic *warmiþu (“warmness; warmth”), corresponding to warm +‎ -th. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Waarmte (“warmth”), West Frisian waarmte (“warmth”), Dutch warmte (“warmth”), German Low German Warmte, Warmt (“warmth”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /wɔːmθ/
• (US) IPA^(key): /wɔɹmθ/

• Audio (US)

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• Rhymes: -ɔː(ɹ)mθ

warmth (countable and uncountable, plural warmths)

1. A moderate degree of heat; the sensation of being warm.
2. Friendliness, kindness or affection.
3. Fervor, intensity of emotion or expression.
   • 1847 October 16, Currer Bell [pseudonym; Charlotte Brontë], “CHAPTER XXXIII”, in Jane Eyre. An Autobiography. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to III), London: Smith, Elder, and Co., […], →OCLC:

     "You don't know him—don't pronounce an opinion upon him," I said with warmth.

4. (art) The effect of using mostly red and yellow hues.

• lukewarmth