Definition

The condition of being hot and humid, often making the air feel uncomfortable and oppressive.

Example

The sultriness of the summer evening made it hard to breathe outside.

Conversation

Have you noticed the sultriness in the air lately?

Yeah, it definitely feels like summer is here.

I kind of love that warm feeling, though.

Me too! It makes evenings by the beach so enjoyable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sultriness → It is formed from "sultry" (from Middle English *sultrie*, meaning oppressively hot or humid) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "sultriness" refers to the state of being sultry, characterized by oppressive heat and humidity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a hot, humid day that makes you feel heavy and uncomfortable — that's the essence of sultriness, the quality of being oppressively warm.

Visually Confused Words