Imagine you are outside, and you feel the air pushing against you. This is the wind! If there is a lot of wind, we say it is windy. A windy day means the air is moving very fast. You might see trees moving a lot, or feel cold because of the strong air. So, windy describes weather with a lot of strong air movement.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
The word "windy" is a common and straightforward adjective to describe weather conditions with a noticeable amount of wind. However, depending on the intensity and characteristics of the wind, there are several alternative words you might hear or use. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate word for your context.
- Breezy
- This is a milder alternative to "windy." A "breezy" day suggests a pleasant, gentle wind that is often refreshing and not strong enough to be problematic. It's generally a positive description.
It was a breezy afternoon, perfect for a walk in the park.
- Gusty
- When the wind is not constant but comes in sudden, strong bursts, you can describe it as "gusty." This implies an uneven and sometimes unpredictable wind pattern.
The weather report warned of gusty winds that could make driving difficult.
- Blustery
- This term suggests a strong, noisy, and often cold wind. It's more intense than "windy" and often implies a somewhat unpleasant or harsh condition.
We huddled together on the blustery pier, watching the waves crash.
- Stormy
- While not exclusively about wind, a "stormy" day almost always includes strong, often destructive, winds along with other severe weather elements like rain or thunder. "Windy" can be a characteristic of a stormy day, but "stormy" implies a broader, more severe weather event.
The forecast predicted a stormy weekend, so we canceled our camping trip.
- Gale-force
- This term describes extremely strong winds, typically associated with storms at sea or severe weather on land. It's a much more intense term than "windy" and suggests a dangerous level of wind speed.
The ship struggled against the gale-force winds and towering waves.
When to use "windy" vs. alternatives:
- Use "windy" when you want to describe a day or location where the wind is noticeable, perhaps making it a bit chilly or causing loose items to move, but not necessarily to an extreme or dangerous degree. It's a good general term.
- Use "breezy" for a gentle, pleasant wind.
- Use "gusty" when the wind comes and goes in sudden bursts.
- Use "blustery" for strong, noisy, and often cold winds.
- Use "stormy" when there's a strong wind along with other severe weather, indicating a broader weather event.
- Use "gale-force" for exceptionally strong and potentially dangerous winds.
For A1 CEFR level learners, "windy" is the most important term to know and use for general descriptions of windy weather. The other terms are more advanced and can be introduced as vocabulary expands.
自我测试 48 个问题
Listen for advice about the weather.
Listen for why the trees are moving.
Listen for a feeling about the weather.
Read this aloud:
It is a very windy day.
Focus: windy
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
I see the windy trees.
Focus: windy, trees
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Wear a coat if it's windy.
Focus: coat, windy
你说的：
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The children couldn't play outside because it was too ___ today.
The word 'windy' describes weather with a lot of strong, moving air, which would prevent children from playing outside.
Please close the window; it's very ___ and the papers are flying around.
'Windy' is the correct adjective to describe conditions where strong air causes papers to fly around.
We need to wear warm coats because it's a very ___ day at the beach.
A 'windy' day often feels colder, making warm coats necessary.
The flag was flapping loudly because it was so ___.
A flag flaps loudly when there is a lot of wind, so 'windy' is the appropriate word.
It's too ___ to have a picnic; our food will blow away!
On a 'windy' day, strong air can cause light objects like picnic food to blow away.
The trees were bending a lot because of the ___ weather.
Trees bend when there is strong wind, making 'windy' the correct adjective to describe the weather.
The children couldn't play outside because it was too ___.
'Windy' describes weather with strong moving air, which would make it difficult for children to play outside.
Which of these objects might move a lot on a windy day?
A flag is light and designed to wave in the wind, so it would move a lot on a windy day.
If it's very windy, what might you need to hold onto tightly?
An umbrella can easily be blown away by strong winds, so you would need to hold onto it tightly.
A windy day means the air is still and quiet.
A windy day means there is a lot of strong, moving air, not still and quiet air.
On a windy day, trees might sway back and forth.
Strong winds can cause trees to move and sway.
You usually feel warmer on a windy day.
Wind often makes it feel colder, even if the temperature is not very low.
The speaker is describing a day with unexpected weather.
The speaker is describing the location of a lighthouse.
The speaker is expressing a preference.
Read this aloud:
The strong winds made it difficult to keep our hats on.
Focus: winds, difficult, hats
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
We had to secure everything on the patio because it was incredibly windy.
Focus: secure, patio, incredibly
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Is it always so windy on top of this mountain?
Focus: always, windy, mountain
你说的：
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The meteorologist warned of particularly ___ conditions offshore, advising small boats to remain in harbor.
'Tempestuous' refers to very stormy or turbulent conditions, which aligns with the strong, active wind implied by 'windy' at a C1 level, specifically regarding marine forecasts. 'Balmy' and 'breezy' are too mild, and 'stagnant' is the opposite.
Despite the inherent challenges of construction in such a consistently ___ environment, the engineers pressed on with the skyscraper project.
'Turbulent' describes a state of commotion or disorder, which accurately reflects the impact of strong, active wind on a construction site, fitting the C1 context. The other options describe calm or peaceful conditions.
The antiquated windmill, a relic of bygone eras, often struggled to operate efficiently on days that were not sufficiently ___.
'Gusty' means characterized by sudden, strong blasts of wind, which is precisely what a windmill needs to function, making it an apt C1 synonym for 'windy' in this context. 'Still' and 'mild' imply insufficient wind, and 'arid' refers to dryness.
The prolonged exposure to the relentlessly ___ coastal weather had weathered the ancient stone edifice considerably.
'Blustery' means characterized by strong winds, often with rain, fitting the C1 level description of harsh, 'windy' coastal weather that causes wear and tear. 'Sheltered' and 'unruffled' suggest protection or calmness, and 'stagnant' implies no movement.
Mountaineers are acutely aware that sudden and severe ___ conditions can quickly transform a challenging climb into a life-threatening ordeal.
'Gale-force' refers to extremely strong wind, typically measured on the Beaufort scale, which is highly relevant and dangerous for mountaineers, aligning with the C1 description of severe 'windy' conditions. 'Sultry' and 'humid' refer to heat and moisture, and 'stagnant' means no wind.
Her meticulously styled hair, a testament to hours of effort, was utterly ruined by the unexpected encounter with the ___ city street.
'Howling' describes the sound of strong wind, often implying a very intense and disruptive 'windy' environment, which would certainly ruin styled hair. This is a vivid C1-level description. 'Sheltered' and 'unperturbed' are opposites, and 'breezy' is too mild to cause such damage.
The incessant chatter of the social media influencer, devoid of any substantive content, was nothing but a tempest in a societal ___, quickly dissipating into the digital ether.
A 'tempest in a teapot' is an idiom meaning a great commotion or excitement over a trivial matter. 'Windstorm,' 'maelstrom,' and 'breeze' do not fit the idiomatic expression.
Despite the prevailing economic headwinds, the company managed to navigate the turbulent market, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strategic ___, thereby avoiding financial ruin.
'Acumen' refers to the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, especially in a particular domain. This fits the context of navigating a turbulent market. 'Apathy' (lack of interest), 'lassitude' (weariness), and 'profligacy' (reckless extravagance) are contrary to the positive outcome described.
Her philosophical discourse, though initially perplexing to the uninitiated, ultimately revealed a profound understanding of existential angst, presenting a nuanced perspective on the human condition that defied simplistic ___.
'Delineation' means the action of describing or portraying something precisely. The sentence implies that her discourse was complex and couldn't be simply defined. 'Obfuscation' (making unclear), 'equivocation' (using ambiguous language), and 'subterfuge' (deceit) do not fit the context of a profound understanding being revealed.
The politician's rhetorical flourishes, though superficially impressive, were ultimately revealed to be mere ___, devoid of any genuine commitment to the reforms he espoused, thereby undermining public trust.
'Platitudes' are cliched, unoriginal, and often moralistic statements, especially when uttered as if they are fresh or profound. This fits the description of superficially impressive but empty rhetoric. 'Truisms' are self-evident truths, 'adages' are short traditional sayings, and 'canards' are unfounded rumors, none of which perfectly capture the deceptive nature of the politician's words.
The avant-garde artist's latest installation, a kaleidoscopic fusion of discarded industrial materials, served as a poignant ___ on consumerism, challenging viewers to confront their own complicity in a throwaway culture.
'Exegesis' refers to a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of a religious text. In a broader sense, it can mean a detailed interpretation of a complex work. Here, the art installation is serving as a commentary or interpretation of consumerism. 'Anachronism' (something out of place in time), 'pastiche' (an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work), and 'homage' (special honor or respect) do not convey the critical, explanatory nature of the artwork.
Despite the ostensibly convivial atmosphere of the diplomatic reception, an undercurrent of palpable tension ___ beneath the surface, betraying the fragility of the political truce.
'Simmered' means to be in a state of suppressed anger or excitement. This perfectly captures the idea of tension being present but not overtly expressed. 'Effervesced' (bubbled), 'burgeoned' (grew rapidly), and 'ebullience' (the quality of being cheerful and full of energy) are contrary to the idea of hidden tension.
The renowned explorer recounted his arduous journey across the ________ plains, where the ceaseless gales threatened to capsize their makeshift shelter at every turn.
While all options relate to wind, 'windy' is the most general and appropriate adjective to describe plains perpetually affected by strong, moving air in a formal narrative context. 'Breezy' implies a light, pleasant wind. 'Gusty' refers to sudden, strong bursts of wind. 'Blustery' suggests a noisy and turbulent wind, often associated with bad weather, which could fit, but 'windy' provides a more encompassing description of the overall conditions of the plains themselves.
Despite the picturesque vista from the clifftop, the constant, ________ conditions made it challenging to maintain one's footing, let alone enjoy the panoramic views.
'Windy' is the most suitable adjective here, indicating a persistent and strong presence of wind that actively affects one's balance. 'Airy' implies spaciousness and good ventilation, not necessarily strong wind. 'Drafty' refers to unpleasant currents of air, usually indoors. 'Zephyrous' refers to a soft, gentle breeze, which is contrary to the context of challenging footing.
The architect's design for the skyscraper had to account for the extreme ________ pressures at such altitudes, ensuring structural integrity against the relentless atmospheric forces.
In this context, 'windy' is the best fit to describe the general, persistent presence of strong wind that exerts pressure on a structure. 'Gale-force' is a specific, very strong wind often associated with storms, which might be too specific or intense for a general design consideration. 'Cyclonic' refers to a cyclone or hurricane, implying a specific type of weather event. 'Airy' is irrelevant to wind pressure.
A 'windy' day is always characterized by a gentle, pleasant breeze.
The definition states that 'windy' describes conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move. This contradicts the idea of a gentle, pleasant breeze.
If a location is described as 'windy', it means that the wind there is typically blowing harder than usual.
The definition explicitly states that 'windy' characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual.
The term 'windy' can be used to describe the weather conditions of a specific day.
The definition clarifies that 'windy' can characterize 'a day or a place', indicating its applicability to specific temporal periods.
The sentence describes how strong winds are preventing a departure. 'Preclude' means to prevent, and 'gale-force' refers to very strong winds.
This sentence refers to a harsh or critical comment. 'Caustic' means severely critical or sarcastic.
The sentence states an effort to avoid deceit. 'Eschew' means to deliberately avoid using; abstain from, and 'duplicity' means deceitfulness.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
例句
It is very windy today, so hold onto your hat.
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breezy
B2指天气宜人地有微风，或指人轻松自信的态度或风格。
blizzard
B2A severe snowstorm characterized by very strong winds and low visibility over an extended period. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to an overwhelming or confusing mass of something that arrives suddenly, such as data or paperwork.
temperatures
B1The plural of temperature, this word refers to the measured degree of heat or coldness of a place, substance, or object. It is often used to describe a range of measurements over time or across different locations.
chill
A1A mild but unpleasant feeling of coldness in the air or in the body. It often describes the temperature when it is cool enough to make you shiver but not freezing.
snowy
A1Describes a place or time that is covered with snow or has a lot of snow falling. It is often used to talk about winter weather and the white appearance of the ground.
warming
B1The process of becoming warmer or the act of making something warm. It is frequently used to describe the steady increase in the Earth's average atmospheric temperature, known as global warming.
evaporate
A1To evaporate is when a liquid, like water, turns into a gas or steam. This usually happens when the liquid becomes warm, such as when the sun dries a puddle on the street.
