cloudy
Cloudy describes a day when there are many clouds in the sky and you cannot see the sun clearly.
Explanation at your level:
You use cloudy to talk about the weather. If you look at the sky and see many clouds, you say: 'It is a cloudy day.' It is not sunny. It is not raining, but the sun is hidden. You can also use it for drinks. If your juice is not clear, it is cloudy.
When the sky is covered in clouds, we say the weather is cloudy. It is a very common word for weather reports. You can also use it to describe liquids like soup or juice that are not clear. For example, 'The water in the river looks cloudy after the rain.'
Cloudy is an adjective used for both weather and physical appearance. In weather contexts, it describes a sky filled with clouds, often implying lower visibility of the sun. In a more descriptive sense, it refers to liquids that are opaque or murky. It is a standard term used in both casual conversation and more descriptive writing.
Beyond simple weather descriptions, cloudy can be used metaphorically. For instance, 'a cloudy memory' suggests that someone cannot remember something clearly. It functions as a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between literal physical states and abstract mental states, allowing for more nuanced communication in professional or creative contexts.
At the C1 level, cloudy is often employed in more complex, figurative ways. It can describe a situation that is ambiguous or lacking in clarity, such as 'a cloudy legal status.' It conveys a sense of uncertainty or lack of transparency. When used in scientific or technical contexts, it precisely describes the turbidity of a substance, showing its dual utility in both literary and empirical discourse.
Mastery of cloudy involves understanding its deep etymological roots and its broad range of figurative applications. In literary works, it is used to evoke mood, atmosphere, and internal conflict. It can describe the 'cloudiness' of a diamond, referring to its internal inclusions, or the 'cloudy' nature of complex philosophical arguments. Its usage reflects a sophisticated grasp of how physical properties are mapped onto abstract concepts, demonstrating a high level of linguistic nuance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cloudy means covered in clouds.
- It also means not transparent.
- It is a very common adjective.
- Use it for weather and liquids.
When we use the word cloudy, we are usually talking about the weather. It is that perfect middle-ground between a bright, sunny day and a rainy one. If you look up and see a big blanket of white or grey covering the blue, you are looking at a cloudy sky.
But wait, there is more! We also use this word to describe things that aren't see-through. Think about a glass of apple juice that has bits of fruit in it, or water that has been stirred up with dirt. We call those cloudy because they look murky rather than crystal clear. It is a very versatile word that helps us describe how things look to our eyes.
The word cloudy comes from the Old English word clud, which originally meant a 'mass of rock' or a 'hill'. It is fascinating how the meaning shifted over hundreds of years! By the 13th century, the word started to be used to describe the large, floating masses of water vapor we see in the sky, likely because they looked like heavy, floating mountains.
Over time, the suffix -y was added to turn the noun 'cloud' into the adjective 'cloudy'. This evolution is a great example of how English speakers borrow words from the physical world to explain the natural environment. It has been a part of the language for centuries, helping poets and scientists alike describe the atmosphere.
In daily life, cloudy is most often used to talk about the weather forecast. You will hear people say, 'It is going to be cloudy today,' or 'The morning was cloudy, but the sun came out later.' It is a very neutral term, perfect for casual conversation or professional reports.
When talking about liquids, the register is slightly more technical. You might hear a scientist or a chef describe a solution as cloudy. It implies that something is dissolved or suspended in the liquid, making it look opaque. Whether you are checking the weather or looking at your drink, cloudy is the go-to word for anything that lacks complete transparency.
1. Every cloud has a silver lining: This means there is something good in every bad situation. 2. Head in the clouds: Used to describe someone who is daydreaming or not paying attention. 3. Under a cloud: To be under suspicion or in disgrace. 4. Cloud nine: A state of extreme happiness. 5. Clouded judgment: When someone cannot think clearly because of emotions or bias.
Cloudy is a simple adjective. It does not have a plural form, but it can be compared: cloudier and cloudiest. In terms of pronunciation, the British and American IPA are both /ˈklaʊdi/. The stress is on the first syllable, 'CLOU-dy'.
It is often used with the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'It is cloudy'). It can also be used as an attributive adjective, as in 'a cloudy day'. Rhyming words include rowdy, dowdy, and crowdy. Remember to keep the 'ow' sound clear and sharp!
Fun Fact
The word shifted from meaning 'rock' to 'cloud' because clouds look like floating mountains.
Pronunciation Guide
Standard British pronunciation.
Standard American pronunciation.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'ou' as 'oo'
- Adding an extra syllable
- Swallowing the 'd' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read
Simple to use in sentences
Common word
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Comparatives
cloudier
Subject-Verb Agreement
The sky is cloudy
Attributive Adjectives
a cloudy day
Examples by Level
It is a cloudy day.
It = the weather, cloudy = sky with clouds
Adjective after 'is'.
The sky is cloudy.
Sky = where clouds are
Simple subject-verb-adjective.
I do not like cloudy weather.
Like = enjoy
Noun phrase.
Is it cloudy today?
Question form
Inversion for questions.
The juice is cloudy.
Juice = drink
Describing a liquid.
Look at the cloudy sky.
Look = command
Imperative.
It was cloudy yesterday.
Was = past tense
Past tense 'to be'.
Cloudy days are cool.
Cool = temperature
Plural noun.
The weather forecast says it will be cloudy.
My tea looks a bit cloudy today.
We prefer sunny days to cloudy ones.
The lake water was cloudy after the storm.
It is a bit cloudy, but not raining.
I can see a cloudy horizon.
Don't go out if it looks cloudy.
The cloudy weather makes me sleepy.
The morning started cloudy but cleared up by noon.
The solution turned cloudy when I added the acid.
His memory of the event is quite cloudy.
Despite the cloudy start, we had a great picnic.
The cloudy atmosphere added to the mystery of the scene.
She prefers the soft light of a cloudy day for photography.
The cloudy liquid settled after a few minutes.
It is often cloudy in this part of the country.
The situation remains cloudy, with no clear solution in sight.
Her cloudy expression suggested she was deep in thought.
The cloudy logic of his argument was hard to follow.
Scientists measured the cloudy water to test for pollution.
The cloudy sky provided a dramatic backdrop for the movie.
His future at the company seems a bit cloudy right now.
The cloudy glass obscured the view of the garden.
The cloudy weather is typical for this time of year.
The legal implications of the merger remain rather cloudy.
The cloudy nature of the data made it difficult to draw conclusions.
A cloudy haze hung over the valley in the early morning.
His cloudy judgment led to a series of poor decisions.
The cloudy depths of the ocean are still largely unexplored.
The political climate is increasingly cloudy.
The cloudy finish of the varnish gave the wood a rustic look.
The cloudy ambiguity of the poem is what makes it so beautiful.
The cloudy metaphysics of the text challenge the reader.
The cloudy, turbulent waters of the bay mirrored his inner turmoil.
A cloudy, ethereal quality permeated the artist's final work.
The cloudy, uncertain future of the project deterred investors.
The cloudy, indistinct shapes in the distance were barely visible.
His cloudy, cryptic remarks left everyone confused.
The cloudy, complex history of the region is fascinating.
The cloudy, murky depths of the well held many secrets.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Every cloud has a silver lining"
There is good in every bad situation
Don't be sad; every cloud has a silver lining.
neutral"Head in the clouds"
Daydreaming
He never listens because his head is in the clouds.
casual"Under a cloud"
Under suspicion
He left the job under a cloud of rumors.
formal"Cloud nine"
Extreme happiness
She was on cloud nine after the promotion.
casual"Clouded judgment"
Unable to think clearly
His anger clouded his judgment.
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to low visibility
Foggy is low to the ground; cloudy is high up.
It is foggy on the road, but cloudy in the sky.
Both mean not clear
Hazy is usually due to dust or heat.
The heat made the day look hazy.
Both mean not transparent
Murky is usually for dark, dirty water.
The swamp water was murky.
Both mean not clear
Opaque means you cannot see through it at all.
The wall is opaque.
Sentence Patterns
It is + cloudy
It is cloudy today.
The [noun] is + cloudy
The water is cloudy.
A + cloudy + [noun]
A cloudy day is nice.
Become + cloudy
The sky became cloudy.
Look + cloudy
The juice looks cloudy.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Cloudy means clouds are present, but it isn't necessarily raining.
Usually we describe the day as cloudier, not the sky itself.
Foggy is when clouds are on the ground; cloudy is when they are in the sky.
Cloudy refers to transparency, while dirty refers to contamination.
Cloudy is an adjective; the verb form is 'to cloud'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a cloudy day inside your kitchen.
Weather Reports
Listen to weather reports to hear how it is used.
British Weather
Learn how Brits talk about cloudy weather.
Comparative Rule
Change y to i and add er.
Clear Sounds
Pronounce the 'ou' clearly.
Don't say 'cloudy-er'
It is 'cloudier'.
Floating Hills
The word came from 'hill'.
Flashcards
Use pictures of clouds.
Describing Drinks
Use it for apple juice.
Adjective Order
It usually comes before the noun.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CLOU'd that is 'DY' (dying) to rain.
Visual Association
A big, grey, fluffy blanket covering the sun.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe the weather every morning this week using 'cloudy' or its synonyms.
Word Origin
Old English
Original meaning: A mass of rock or hill
Cultural Context
None
In the UK, 'cloudy' is a very common topic of conversation due to the frequent weather.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weather report
- expected to be cloudy
- cloudy intervals
- partly cloudy
Cooking/Kitchen
- the liquid turned cloudy
- cloudy appearance
- not clear
Travel
- cloudy skies over the city
- avoiding cloudy areas
- weather is cloudy
Science
- cloudy solution
- turbidity is cloudy
- cloudy mixture
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer sunny or cloudy weather?"
"Why do you think people feel sad on cloudy days?"
"Have you ever seen a drink that looked cloudy?"
"What do you do on a cloudy day at home?"
"Does a cloudy sky make you feel calm or tired?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a cloudy day from your childhood.
Write about a time you felt 'under a cloud'.
Explain why you like or dislike cloudy weather.
Describe a liquid that is cloudy and why it looks that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it just means there are clouds; it might be pleasant.
You can say someone has a 'cloudy expression' to mean they look confused.
No, it is an adjective.
The verb is 'to cloud'.
Use 'cloudier'.
No, fog is on the ground; clouds are in the sky.
Yes, if it has internal flaws.
It is neutral and used everywhere.
Test Yourself
The sky is ___ today.
We use cloudy to describe a sky with clouds.
Which means the liquid is not clear?
Cloudy means murky or not transparent.
Cloudy can only be used for the weather.
It can also describe liquids like juice.
Word
Meaning
Matching adjectives to meanings.
Correct structure is article-adjective-noun.
Score: /5
Summary
Cloudy is a versatile word for describing both the sky and the clarity of liquids.
- Cloudy means covered in clouds.
- It also means not transparent.
- It is a very common adjective.
- Use it for weather and liquids.
Memory Palace
Imagine a cloudy day inside your kitchen.
Weather Reports
Listen to weather reports to hear how it is used.
British Weather
Learn how Brits talk about cloudy weather.
Comparative Rule
Change y to i and add er.
Example
It's quite cloudy, so it might rain later.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More weather words
rainy
A1Rainy describes weather or a specific period of time characterized by a lot of rain. It is used to qualify days, seasons, or climates where precipitation is frequent.
storm
A2A storm is an occurrence of bad weather characterized by strong winds and usually heavy rain, snow, or thunder. It can cause damage to buildings or disrupt travel and daily activities.
sunny
A1This word describes weather or a place that is filled with bright light from the sun. It is used to talk about clear skies and pleasant, light-filled conditions.
temperature
A2Temperature is the measurement of how hot or cold something is, such as the air, water, or a person's body. It is usually measured using a thermometer on a scale like Celsius or Fahrenheit.
