torrid
adjective
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What Do torrid and Toast Have in Common?
Torrid derives from the Latin verb torrēre, which means "to burn" or "to parch" and is an ancestor of our word toast. Despite the dry implications of this root, it is also an ancestor of torrent, which can refer to a violent stream of liquid (as in "a torrent of rain"). Torrid first appeared in English in the 16th century, and was originally used to describe something burned or scorched by exposure to the sun. The term torrid zone later came about to refer to tropical regions of the Earth. Torrid has taken on several extended meanings that we would use for hot, including "showing fiery passion," as in "torrid love letters," or "displaying unusual luck or fortune," as in "a baseball player on a torrid hitting streak."
Synonyms
- ardent
- boiling
- broiling
- burning
- fervent
- fervid
- fiery
- hot
- piping hot
- red
- red-hot
- roasting
- scalding
- scorching
- searing
- sultry
- superheated
- sweltering
- ultrahot
- white-hot
Example Sentences
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 If the movie's absurdity wasn't clear enough, this latest trailer highlights a torrid love affair between Radcliffe's (comically buff) Yankovic and Evan Rachel Wood's parody-smitten Madonna. Christian Holub, EW.com, 29 Aug. 2022 Over a grinding dance beat, Smith sings about a torrid affair taking place in a garage. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2022 The July sales report is the late evidence that the housing market, a key driver of economic growth, is slowing from its torrid pace in recent years as homebuyers grapple with sharply higher mortgage rates than a year ago. Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2022 Multiples have increased at a torrid pace in some sectors over the last few years, especially in the middle market and above. Richard Parker, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 That includes a torrid love affair and an inspiring sense of self. Dawn Burkes, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2022 Unlike Simon and Daphne’s torrid love affair, the story of Kathony is a bit more measured, taking its time to build up the stakes of their relationship. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 5 Apr. 2022 But few homes have air-conditioning, forcing millions to choose between a torrid commute or a stifling home office. Mark Landler, New York Times, 18 July 2022 See More Word History
borrowed from French & Latin; French torride, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin torridus "dried by exposure to heat, parched, scorched," adjective derivative from the stem of torreō, torrēre "to heat so as to dry, scorch, parch" — more at thirst entry 1
1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing torrid
Kids Definition
torrid
adjective
torridity
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- torridness
- hotness
- sultriness
- temperateness
- glow
- stuffiness
- radiancy
- heat
- radiance
- balminess
- warmness
- tepidity
- lukewarmness
- warmth
- tepidness
- mildness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- coolness
- chill
- cold
- chilliness
- sharpness
- bleakness
- coldness
- bitterness
- frigidity
- rawness
- frostiness
- frost
- frigidness
- iciness