dew

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dew" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to the liquid droplets that form on cool surfaces overnight. For example, "The morning dew glistened in the early morning sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I didn't even break off for the glass of water I became increasingly desperate to drink while reading how the aviators tried to to gather dew drops on the cloth of their parachutes, how they felt "something rasping" in their throats, and were reduced to drinking ether even though it felt like "swallowing knives".

The Guardian - Books

If you don't have courage, all the other qualities you may have – good strategic sense and oratory etc – vanish like the morning dew when you need it.

The Guardian

All through the marsh grass, the birds are rising …and a little fog rises, the morning fog, the haze, as the dew boils away.

The Economist

The sawgrass rises to meet the day, standing straight up, the blades of sawgrass with dew on them sparkle.

The Economist

Gnats were thought to be formed out of spots of dew on leaves.

The Economist

A smaller book than it seems, "The Dew Breaker" is ultimately an innocuous read.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

There will be dew-catchers, rainwater harvesting and electronic sensors to raise the alarm in case of leaky pipes.

The Economist

A wide range of meteorological measurements are made from this equipment, including temperature, dew-point temperature, pressure, wind velocity, long-wave and shortwave radiative fluxes, and air chemistry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Radiosondes measure temperature, dew-point temperature, and pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The willingness of central banks to use interest-rate cuts to bail out financial markets only added to the speculative enthusiasm.Messrs Gordon and Dew-Becker point to the rise of "superstar" labour markets in which the best talent commands a huge premium.

The Economist

With the help of a friend she branched out in 1953 from creams into Youth-Dew, a bestselling bath oil and perfume combined, and became the doyenne of all beauty.Tactility was her byword.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dew" to evoke a sense of freshness, purity, or new beginnings in your writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "dew" with "do" (a verb) or "due" (an adjective indicating obligation). "Dew" refers to moisture, while "do" implies action and "due" signifies something owed or expected.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dew" is as a noun, referring to moisture condensed from the atmosphere. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct. It can also function as a verb, though this is less common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dew" functions primarily as a noun to describe atmospheric moisture, also can be used as a verb. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is grammatically correct and common across various contexts. The term evokes a sense of freshness and new beginnings, making it a versatile element in both scientific and creative writing. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to avoid confusion with homophones like "do" or "due". Prominent sources like The Economist, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The Guardian frequently employ "dew" in their content, reflecting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rore

Synonym for dew, refers to moisture.

morning mist

Focuses on the light fog that often accompanies dew formation.

early moisture

Emphasizes the timing and nature of the wetness.

atmospheric condensation

Highlights the scientific process behind dew formation.

surface condensation

Emphasizes where the moisture forms.

ground moisture

Emphasizes the location of the wetness.

chill droplets

Captures temperature aspect of dew.

overnight dampness

Highlights the period in which dew forms and its effect.

light precipitation

Broader term including dew.

drizzle

Light rain, similar to heavy dew.

FAQs

How can I use "dew" in a sentence?

You can use "dew" as a noun to describe moisture that forms on surfaces overnight, such as "The grass was covered in "morning dew"."

What is another word for "dew"?

A synonym for "dew" is "rore", although this word is less commonly used in modern English.

How does "dew" form?

"Dew" forms through "condensation", where water vapor in the air cools and turns into liquid on surfaces, typically overnight.

What is the significance of "dew" in literature?

"Dew" often symbolizes freshness, purity, or renewal in literature, representing a new beginning or a clean slate.