WordGarden.iowetness
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɛtnəs/
US
- /ˈwɛtnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the state or quality of being wet
(informal)sexual lubrication or arousal
Beyond the definition
Wetness is the state of being damp or covered with liquid, usually water. Morning dew on the grass, a leaky roof dripping into a bucket, or rain on your skin are all simple examples. It can feel pleasant, like warm water in a bath, or annoying, like getting caught in heavy rain without an umbrella. A detective, for example, might study how wet some footprints are to guess how recently someone passed by.
Wetness describes the condition of being covered with liquid or holding liquid, most often water. It is not only the fact that something is wet, but also the degree to which it feels or appears that way. A puddle is an obvious example, but so are the moisture in the air after rain and the shine of sweat on a runner's forehead.
Our sense of wetness is closely tied to touch and feeling. There is a clear difference between a light mist on your face and clothes that are completely soaked. In storytelling, it can be an important detail. A character following muddy footprints may use how wet they are as a clue about time, while a writer may describe damp, heavy clothing to show discomfort, cold, or vulnerability.
Beyond everyday life, wetness also matters in science. Meteorologists measure moisture in the air to help predict the weather, and biologists study how water in the soil supports plant life. The word can also appear in descriptive writing, especially when someone wants to draw attention to visible liquid, such as the wetness of a tear-streaked face.
Whether it is a physical sensation, a forensic clue, or a metaphor for deep emotion, wetness is a fundamental quality that touches many aspects of our lives and the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
I could feel the wetness of my socks after walking home in the rain.
- 2
Kitchen floor
There was a patch of wetness on the kitchen floor by the sink.
- 3
Wet grass
The wetness in the grass soaked through my shoes.
- 4
Animal health
The vet was concerned about the wetness around the dog's eyes.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Humidity
The heat felt even worse because of the wetness in the air.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- sogginess
- humidity
- saturation
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- surface wetness
- soil wetness
- leaf wetness
- a feeling of wetness
Word family
Explore
- waterlogging
- condensation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- wetnessnoun