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.