cozy

USAGE SUMMARY

'cozy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, as in "The fireplace created a cozy atmosphere in the room".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Explanations run from the practical -- a talent gap with the Galaxy – to the tactical: Portland can't make the adjustment from its cozy 110-by-74 pitch to the expansive 120-by-75 that greets them in SoCal.

The Guardian - Sport

In a sense, what Murdoch seeks with politicians is the opposite of a cozy relationship – a nuance beyond the reach of Leveson.

The Guardian - Opinion

For example, Livingstone annoyed many local communities by getting rather too cozy with property developers and the corporate chain stores.

The Guardian - Opinion

The list of proposals for future graphene products goes on and on, as researchers cozy up to potential sponsors.

The Economist

Are defence contractors too cozy with the politicians who make these decisions?Mr Zinni: Killing defence programmes is always difficult for many reasons.

The Economist

The children seem more acclimated than the parents, and the apartment has a cozy, welcoming bustle to it.My grandfather grew up not far from here—in Union City, another first-ring, working-class Jersey suburb just west of Elizabeth.

The Economist

Then each of the hives was warmed above the cozy 36°C threshold for 15 minutes.

The Economist

But then a local news outlet burst my cozy envelope of oblivion with a powerful spot about the prospect of $8 gallons of milk.

The Economist

Also, the pay's pretty good.In Politico, Kenneth Vogel and Lucy McCalmont report on the cozy financial relationships between conservative talk-radio stars and a number of right-leaning research and advocacy institutions.

The Economist

The independent public defender's office plans to investigate accusations of excessive and unprovoked use of force.Two other obstacles in Mr Golding's new fight against organised crime will be the political and fiscal consequences of disrupting the cozy ties between his party and the gangs.

The Economist

The widespread perception that the relationship between Treasury and Wall Street was suspiciously cozy, and that taxpayer money saved the hides of a good number of especially well-connected multi-millionaire bankers is by no means unreasonable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cozy" to evoke a sense of comfort, warmth, and intimacy in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing spaces, atmospheres, or personal relationships.

Common error

While "cozy" is a pleasant term, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like "comfortable" or "inviting" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "cozy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is comfortable, warm, and inviting. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where "cozy" enhances the description of places and atmospheres.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cozy" is a versatile adjective frequently used to describe something that offers comfort, warmth, and intimacy. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in strictly formal settings. Alternatives like "comfortable", "snug", and "inviting" may be more appropriate in certain professional contexts. Ultimately, "cozy" is a powerful word for evoking positive emotional connections in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comfortable and warm

Combines the aspects of physical comfort and warmth.

comfortable

Focuses more on the physical sensation of ease and relaxation.

snug

Emphasizes a feeling of being sheltered and warm, often in a small space.

inviting

Highlights the welcoming and appealing nature of a place or situation.

homelike

Implies a sense of familiarity and comfort associated with home.

warm

Stresses the physical or emotional feeling of heat and affection.

intimate

Suggests a close and personal atmosphere.

relaxing

Focuses on the calming and stress-free qualities.

sheltered

Implies protection and security from outside elements.

agreeable

Highlights the pleasant and satisfying nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "cozy" in a sentence?

You can use "cozy" to describe a place, feeling, or relationship. For example, "The cabin was small but cozy", or "They shared a cozy evening by the fire".

What's the difference between "cozy" and "comfortable"?

"Cozy" implies a sense of warmth, intimacy, and snugness, whereas "comfortable" primarily refers to physical ease and relaxation. "Cozy" adds an element of emotional comfort.

What can I say instead of "cozy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "snug", "inviting", or "homelike" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "cozy" in formal writing?

While "cozy" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "pleasant" or "agreeable".