warmth

From Middle English warmth, warmeth, wermþe, from Old English *wiermþu (“warmth”), from Proto-West Germanic *warmiþu (“warmness; warmth”), corresponding to warm +‎ -th (abstract nominal suffix). 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):

  (file)

• 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.
   • 1973 December 22, “Boston Tea Party”, in Gay Community News, volume 1, number 27, page 1:

     Included in the crowd of more than 10,000 was a gay contingent of over 100. A large banner proclaiming "Gay American Revolution" beckoned other gay marchers to join the contingent. Several participants said that they were pleased with the noticeable warmth of the other demonstrators toward the gay people.

3. Fervor, intensity of emotion or expression.
   • 1847 October 16, Currer Bell [pseudonym; Charlotte Brontë], “CHAPTER XXXIII”, in Jane Eyre. An Autobiography. […], volume (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