Warming

Definition

Warming refers to the process or state of becoming warmer, especially as it pertains to the increase in the Earth's average surface temperature.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (to warm)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɔrmɪŋ/
• Respelling: WOR-ming

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɔːmɪŋ/
• Respelling: WAW-ming

In both American and British English, "warming" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The main difference lies in the vowel sound of the first syllable; the American pronunciation uses a /ɔr/ sound as in "worn," while the British pronunciation uses a longer /ɔː/ sound as in "war." The ending "-ming" is pronounced similarly in both versions of English.

Etymology

The term "warming" comes from the Old English "weormian", meaning "to become warm or hot". Over time, this evolved to the Middle English "warmen" and finally to the Modern English "warm", with "ing" added to indicate the process or action.

Derivatives

• Warmer
• Warmth
• Warmly
• Warmonger
• Warm-hearted

Synonyms

• Heating
• Thawing
• Toasting

Antonyms

• Cooling
• Chilling
• Freezing

Usage

While "warming" can be used in various contexts, such as warming one's hands by a fire, in recent decades, it's most commonly associated with "global warming", referring to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities.

Related Terms

• Climate change
• Greenhouse effect
• Global warming
• Heat
• Thermal

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The process of becoming or making something warmer.‍
• Example: The warming of the soup took longer than expected on the stove.

• An increase in the Earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate, largely due to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants.‍
• Example: Scientists have raised concerns about the rapid global warming observed over the last century.

Verb (to warm)

• To become or cause to become warm or warmer.‍
• Example: She warmed her hands by the fireplace.

• To make or become more enthusiastic, lively, or animated.‍
• Example: The crowd warmed to the performer after his energetic number.

• To prepare for exercise or a performance by exercising or practicing gently beforehand.‍
• Example: The athlete warmed up before the race to prevent injuries.