stormy
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɔːmi/
US
- /ˈstɔrmi/
Description
- Rough weather
- Full of conflict
- Wild and unsettled
- Full of strong feelings
- Turbulent
"Stormy" does not only describe rain, wind, and thunder. It can also describe a time, relationship, or situation full of conflict, strong feelings, or trouble. A "stormy relationship" is not about the weather. It means the people in it often argue or go through emotional ups and downs.
Think of a stormy sea: rough, powerful, and hard to control. That same feeling can be used for other things too. You might talk about a stormy debate, a stormy period in your life, or even a stormy personality. In all of these cases, the word suggests unrest, intensity, and a lack of calm.
The word "stormy" first describes weather with strong wind, heavy rain, thunder, or rough seas. It brings to mind dangerous skies, loud waves, and a feeling that nature is out of control. You might say, "The sailors prepared for stormy seas," or "We drove home through stormy weather."
But "stormy" is also very often used in a figurative way. It can describe relationships, meetings, periods of life, or other situations that are full of conflict, tension, or strong emotion. A "stormy relationship" usually has many arguments and sudden changes. A "stormy meeting" may include angry voices, sharp disagreement, and very little calm discussion.
The word can also describe a person's character or mood. A person with a "stormy personality" may be passionate, quick-tempered, and hard to predict. In stories, this kind of person often brings drama and emotional intensity wherever they go.
So whether "stormy" is used for the weather or for human emotions and conflict, it nearly always suggests power, unrest, and a break from calm conditions.
Examples
- 1
Weather
We stayed inside all afternoon because the weather was so stormy.
- 2
Rough seas
The ferry couldn't leave the harbor in such stormy seas.
- 3
Relationship conflict
They had a stormy relationship and broke up twice in one year.
Phrase
a stormy relationship
one with a lot of arguments and strong emotions
- 4
Tense meeting
The budget meeting turned stormy when layoffs were mentioned.
Phrase
turn stormy
become angry and tense
- 5
Political period
The country went through a stormy period after the election.
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stormyadjective
Forms
- stormiestsuperlativeadjective
- stormiercomparativeadjective