Cozy

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by an inviting and relaxed ambiance that ensures comfort
2. Providing a warm and protected environment that feels safe and snug ; creating a close and pleasant setting where people feel welcome and at ease
3. Having a comforting temperature and shelter that promotes relaxation ; describing a small, personal space encouraging social warmth and friendliness

Etymology: Scottish speakers gave English this word, and nobody can say for certain where they got it. The earliest form was the Scots "cosie" (later "colsie" in Old Scots), meaning snug or sheltered, and English took it up in the sense of a warm, sheltered spot. The word's ultimate origin is unknown, which makes it one of those English words whose deepest roots have been lost. The best guess links it to North Germanic speech. Norwegian has the phrase "kose seg," meaning to have a cozy time, which traces back to Old Norse "kose sig" and the adjective "koselig." Those may in turn connect to Old High German "kōsa," the source of modern German "kosen," meaning to cuddle. If that chain holds, the word's core idea is physical affection and comfort, with warmth and closeness at its heart.

Synonyms: comfortable, snug, warm, homely, inviting

Antonyms: uncomfortable, cold, drafty, unwelcoming, hostile