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sunny

/ˈsʌn.i/
IELTSAcademic
adjective

Bright with sunlight. A sunny place or day has a lot of direct sunlight. It can also mean cheerful or hopeful in tone.

  • It was a sunny morning.
  • We sat outside on the sunny balcony.
  • She has a sunny smile.

Adinary Nuance

Sunny is close to words like bright, warm, and clear, but it focuses on sunlight. Bright can describe light, colors, or intelligence, while sunny usually describes weather, places, or a mood. It is also more cheerful and positive than just clear or warm.

In other languages

Vietnamese
nắng
Spanish
soleado
Chinese
晴朗的
Japanese
晴れた
Korean
화창한

Etymology

Sunny comes from Old English sunne, meaning 'sun'. The word has been used in English since before the 12th century.

Common phrases

a sunny daya sunny smilesunny weathersunny side

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is sunny only used for weather?
No. It can also describe a cheerful face, mood, or personality.
What is the difference between sunny and bright?
Sunny usually means full of sunlight. Bright is broader and can describe light, colors, or smart people.
Can I use sunny in formal writing?
Yes, but it is more common in everyday writing and conversation.