Cosiness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state or quality of being warm, comfortable, and inviting; a feeling of snugness and contentment; an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and ease
2. A condition characterized by warmth and comfort that encourages a sense of well-being; the feeling of being sheltered and cozy; an environment designed for intimate comfort and relaxation
3. The experience of physical or emotional warmth and comfort; a setting that offers protection and pleasant snugness; a mood or ambiance fostering a sense of ease and homeliness

Etymology: "Cosiness" is simply "cosy" with the suffix "-ness" attached, the common English ending that turns an adjective into a noun for a state or quality, as in "happiness" or "darkness." So the word names the quality of being cosy: warmth, comfort and a snug, inviting feel. The base adjective "cosy" is the more interesting piece of the puzzle, since it has its own separate history. Its spelling and sense have shifted over time, and the noun simply inherits that meaning. The suffix does the grammatical work, and the sense of comfort and intimacy comes from the adjective underneath.

Synonyms: comfort, warmth, snugness, homeliness, pleasantness

Antonyms: discomfort, coldness, unpleasantness