Definition

In a way that is extremely hot and uncomfortable, often causing sweating.

Example

The sun beat down swelteringly, making it hard to enjoy the day outside.

Conversation

Did you feel how swelteringly hot it was outside today?

I know, right? I could barely stand it for more than a few minutes.

I was sweating just walking to the store!

Same here! I can't wait for the cooler weather to arrive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Swelteringly → It is formed from "swelter" (from Old English *sweltan*, meaning to die or perish from heat) and the adverbial suffix "-ingly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "swelteringly" describes a manner of being in a state of extreme heat, often to the point of discomfort or distress.

Memory Tip

Imagine feeling so hot that you could 'perish' ('sweltan') from the heat, and the '-ingly' shows how intensely you feel that heat.

Visually Confused Words