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warm

moderately hot / affectionate / to heat up / to become warmer

/wɔːm/

AdjectiveTransitive VerbIntransitive Verb
past: warmedpp: warmeding: warmingcomp: warmersup: warmest

Physically, it describes a comfortable level of heat that is pleasant rather than oppressive. It sits between 'tepid' (which can feel unpleasantly lukewarm) and 'hot' (which can be intense or burning). Emotionally, it conveys a sense of safety, sincerity, and approachability. While 'friendly' describes a behavior, 'warm' describes an aura or a quality of personality that makes others feel welcomed and cared for. In a verbal context, it refers to the gradual transition toward heat. It is often used in contexts of preparationsuch as warming up muscles before exercise or warming food before eating.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, David is in a high-stakes corporate meeting while Eleanor is at home.
Eleanor Smith

DAVID IS THE HOUSE TOO WARM OR AM I JUST LOSING IT

Eleanor Smith
David Smith
David Smith

Mom, I'm in a meeting. Just touch base with the thermostat.

💡
Eleanor uses all caps due to her lack of tech literacy. David uses the corporate buzzword 'touch base', incorrectly applying professional jargon to a simple domestic task (adjusting the temperature), which highlights his persona as a manager who over-uses business speak.

Meanings

Adjectivemoderately hot

Having or giving out a moderate degree of heat; not cold.

"A warm breeze blew from the south."

Adjectiveaffectionate

Showing enthusiasm, affection, or kindness.

"She gave me a warm welcome when I arrived."

Transitive Verbto heat up

To make someone or something warmer in temperature.

"I used a blanket to warm my frozen toes."

Intransitive Verbto become warmer

To become warmer; to increase in temperature.

"The weather finally began to warm in late March."

Collocations & Compounds

warm climate

Noun collocation: a region characterized by moderate to high temperatures

The lizards thrive in a warm climate.

warm greeting

Noun collocation: a friendly and affectionate welcome

The host gave us a warm greeting at the door.

warm reception

Noun collocation: an enthusiastic and positive response

The new policy received a warm reception from the staff.

warm up

Verb collocation: to increase the temperature of something or oneself

You should warm up your muscles before exercising.

warm the house

Verb collocation: to heat a living space

It takes a few hours to warm the house in winter.

Etymology

Derived from Old English wearm, which descends from Proto-Germanic warmaz. It shares a common ancestor with Old Saxon warm and Old High German warm, rooted in the Proto-Indo-European base u̯ermos, meaning heat or warmth.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error