Warm

/wɔːrm/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
4 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

Having a moderate and comfortable degree of heat.

/wɔːrm/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Having a moderately high temperature; slightly hot.

The sun felt warm on my face.

💡 Simply: Imagine a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Warm is like that feeling – not too hot, but comfortable and nice. Like when you have a warm cup of cocoa on a cold day.

👶 For kids: It's not too hot and not too cold – it's just right!

More Examples

2

She put on a warm coat to go outside.

How It's Used

Weather

"The weather today is pleasantly warm."

Food

"The soup was served warm."

2

Friendly; kind; affectionate.

/wɔːrm/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Showing or expressing friendliness, affection, or enthusiasm.

The audience gave the performer a warm applause.

💡 Simply: Think of a friend who gives you a big hug. That's warm! It means being friendly and showing you care. Like a warm smile or a friendly greeting.

👶 For kids: It's like being friendly and nice to someone!

More Examples

2

They received a warm reception from the local community.

How It's Used

Social

"She gave him a warm welcome."

Relationships

"They have a warm relationship with each other."

Tip:A warm smile is like a sunbeam – it makes you feel good.
3

To make or become comfortably heated.

/wɔːrm/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To make or become warm; heat.

He warmed up the car before driving.

💡 Simply: Like when you put your gloves near the heater to get them comfy and toasty before going outside! That's warming something up! You can warm up leftovers, or a room by turning on the heater.

👶 For kids: To make something a little hot or to feel less cold!

More Examples

2

She warmed her hands by the fire.

3

Let me warm up the soup for you.

How It's Used

Cooking

"I need to warm up the leftovers."

Health

"She warmed her hands by the fire."

Tip:Imagine warming your hands on a mug of hot chocolate.
4

To become more enthusiastic or interested in something, or to become friendlier or more welcoming towards someone.

/wɔːrm/

verbpositivemedium
Academic

To become more enthusiastic or interested in something.

He slowly warmed to his new teacher.

💡 Simply: Imagine initially feeling a little unsure about something, but as you learn more, you start to like it! That's what it's like to warm to something: to grow fond of something, to become more interested, like when you warm to an idea or a person.

👶 For kids: To start liking or being happy about something, like when you start to like a new food!

More Examples

2

I warmed to the idea of going on vacation.

How It's Used

Interests

"She warmed to the idea of traveling after reading about it."

Relationships

"He warmed to his new colleagues after the team building exercise."

Tip:Imagine feeling a chill and then getting into a hot tub; you feel comfortable and relaxed

Idioms & expressions

warm up to someone/something

To become more friendly or interested in someone or something.

"It took a while for her to warm up to the new team members."

warm welcome

A friendly and enthusiastic reception or greeting.

"The new employee received a warm welcome from the team."

From Old English *wearm*, from Proto-Germanic *warmaz*. Related to Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰer-*, meaning 'warm, hot'.

The word 'warm' has existed in English since the Old English period, used to describe temperature and later extended to describe emotions and relationships.

Memory tip

Think of a warm hug – it's comforting and not too hot.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"warm, heated"

warm welcomewarm smilewarm weatherwarm feelingwarm embrace

Common misspellings

wharmworm

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written