heat

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "heat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to physical heat, such as the temperature of something, or when referring to intensity or passion in a particular situation. For example, "The heat of the competition was palpable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are on a grand scale – such as Spain's concentrated solar power stations which, by super-heating molten salts that hold their heat for many hours, can generate clean power from the sun at night.

The Guardian

He has told ABC radio he made the remarks "in the heat of anger and frustration".

The Guardian

Behind this summer's heat are greenhouse gases emitted decades ago.

The Economist

When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

The Guardian

Though all of us are all sensitive to heat, and quick to react when it climbs above our comfort levels, our knowledge of how it might affect our health doesn't really go beyond sunstrokes and fainting spells.

The Guardian

Researchers have also found that climate change-enhanced heat and humidity are conducive to the spread of falciparum malaria, the disease's deadliest strain.

The Guardian

"Ahmedabad is the only city with an early warning system for heat in South Asia because they saw infants and babies die, and then put the dots together during a crisis," says Jaiswal. "Temperatures in Mumbai are already high, so we think an early warning system would benefit many, and save lives.

The Guardian

Or maybe that's something to do with the 82-degree Texan heat.

The Guardian - Music

The heat was making her dizzy but she still sounded upbeat at the possibility of glimpsing the president.

The Guardian

When the sauce is thickened and glossy, remove from the heat, whisk in the lemon juice and season to taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Setting up an elaborate Berber camp in the July heat each day looked like hard work but Bobo laughed it off: "We are used to the desert.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing climate change, use "heat" precisely to refer to accumulated thermal energy or rising temperatures. Avoid vague terms like "warming" without quantifying the change.

Common error

Don't use "heat" interchangeably with "temperature". "Temperature" is a measure of hotness, while "heat" is the energy that causes the temperature to rise. For example, the sentence 'The heat is 30 degrees Celsius' is incorrect; instead, say 'The temperature is 30 degrees Celsius'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heat" is as a noun, referring to thermal energy or the condition of being hot. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also denote intensity of emotion or a preliminary race. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts ranging from climate change to cooking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "heat" is a versatile term with diverse applications, ranging from physical phenomena to emotional states. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a noun and is grammatically correct. It's crucial to differentiate "heat" from "temperature", as "heat" refers to the energy itself, whereas "temperature" is a measure of that energy. The term is widely used in various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and sports, making it a common and essential word in the English language. When writing, ensure you use "heat" accurately to convey the intended meaning, whether it's the "heat" of summer or the "heat" of an argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warmth

Focuses on the comfortable or pleasant aspect of temperature.

high temperature

Emphasizes the elevated degree of hotness.

hotness

Describes the state or quality of being hot.

thermal energy

Highlights the energy aspect associated with heat.

fever

Refers to elevated body temperature, often due to illness.

passion

Emphasizes intense emotion or excitement.

ardor

Similar to passion, but often implies a more fervent or zealous feeling.

fervor

Highlights intense and passionate enthusiasm.

intensity

Focuses on the degree or strength of something, which can include heat.

excitement

Emphasizes a state of great enthusiasm and eagerness.

FAQs

How can I use "heat" in a sentence?

You can use "heat" to refer to thermal energy, a hot condition, or a period of intensity. For example, 'The furnace produced a lot of "heat"' or 'He made a decision in the "heat of the moment"'.

What are some synonyms for "heat"?

Depending on the context, you could use "warmth", "hotness", "passion", or "intensity" as alternatives to "heat".

Is it correct to say "the heat is unbearable"?

Yes, it is correct. In this context, "heat" refers to the condition of being hot. You could also say "the "temperature" is unbearable".

What's the difference between "heat" and "warmth"?

"Heat" often implies a higher degree of hotness or intensity, while "warmth" suggests a comfortable or pleasant level of heat. For example, a fire provides "heat", while a blanket provides "warmth".