heat
/hiːt/ IELTSAcademic
noun
the state of being hot, or the high temperature of a place, object, or body. It can also mean the energy that makes something hot.
- The heat was hard to bear.
- Please turn down the heat.
- Metal expands in heat.
verb
to make something hot, or to become hot. It is often used for food, rooms, or water.
- Heat the soup for two minutes.
- The car heated up quickly.
- She heated the pan before cooking.
Adinary Nuance
Heat is the general word for high temperature or the act of making something hot. Use warmth for a pleasant or gentle heat, and temperature when you are talking about a measured degree. Hot describes the thing itself, while heat often names the condition or the energy behind it.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nhiệt
- Spanish
- calor
- Chinese
- 热
- Japanese
- 熱
- Korean
- 열
Etymology
Old English hǣtu, from a Germanic root meaning “hot” or “warm.” It has been in English since early times.
Common phrases
heat waveheat upunder the heat of the sunthe summer heat
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between heat and warmth?
- Heat is stronger and more neutral. Warmth suggests mild, pleasant heat.
- Can heat be a verb?
- Yes. Heat means to make something hot, like food or water.
- Is heat used in science?
- Yes. In science, heat is energy that moves from a hotter object to a cooler one.