oppressively hot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "oppressively hot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe weather conditions that are excessively and uncomfortably warm, often leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed or stifled by the heat. Example: "The summer sun beat down on us, making the day feel oppressively hot as we sought refuge in the shade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The city is oppressively hot.

The New Yorker

The club was oppressively hot.

The New Yorker

First of all, it's oppressively hot right now.

The Guardian - Opinion

With no air conditioning and poor ventilation, the building grew oppressively hot and muggy.

The New York Times

Detainees who have been in Chauka say it is oppressively hot.

The Guardian

An oppressively hot July is predicted, and Armstrong does not enjoy heavy heat.

The New York Times - Sports

The summer climate is oppressively hot and humid, and many inhabitants then move to cooler places; however, winter is pleasant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Herzegovina has more affinity to the Croatian region of Dalmatia, which can be oppressively hot in summer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although it was cloudy that morning, it was oppressively hot - even more so inside the claustrophobic armoured fighting vehicles.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

About 50 yards into the tunnel, the air became oppressively thick and hot, laced with the odor of flooded basement.

The New York Times

Alison Goodwin Schiff Dear Diary: It was a hot, oppressively humid night, and I thought it would be fun to take my sons, ages 6 and 8, out for Japanese food after their annual checkups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oppressively hot" to vividly describe weather or environments where the heat is not only high but also creates a sense of discomfort or suffocation. It's particularly effective when combined with descriptions of humidity or lack of air circulation.

Common error

Avoid using "oppressively hot" to describe merely warm conditions. The phrase is most effective when the heat is genuinely extreme and uncomfortable. Using it too liberally can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oppressively hot" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the intensity and unpleasantness of heat. It's used to provide a more vivid and impactful description than simply saying "very hot". Ludwig's examples show it modifying various nouns like "summer", "day", or "building".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "oppressively hot" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjectival phrase that effectively describes conditions of extreme and uncomfortable heat. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears frequently in encyclopedias and scientific contexts. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations where the heat is genuinely overwhelming and uncomfortable, and avoid overuse in milder contexts. Alternatives such as "swelteringly hot" or "stiflingly hot" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Swelteringly hot

Emphasizes the suffocating and uncomfortable nature of the heat.

Stiflingly hot

Highlights the lack of air movement and the feeling of being trapped in the heat.

Scorching hot

Focuses on the burning and intense sensation of the heat.

Blisteringly hot

Suggests that the heat is so intense it could cause skin damage.

Intensely hot

A more straightforward way to describe the extreme heat.

Extremely hot and humid

Adds the element of humidity, increasing the discomfort.

Unbearably hot

Emphasizes the level of discomfort and difficulty in tolerating the heat.

Oppressive heat

Uses the noun form, focusing on the overwhelming nature of the heat.

Sultry heat

Conveys a heavy, often humid, and somewhat sensual heat.

Baking hot

Implies a dry heat that feels like being in an oven.

FAQs

How can I use "oppressively hot" in a sentence?

You can use "oppressively hot" to describe weather, environments, or objects radiating intense heat. For example: "The summer air was "oppressively hot"", or "The engine room was "oppressively hot" and difficult to work in."

What can I say instead of "oppressively hot"?

Alternatives include "swelteringly hot", "stiflingly hot", or "scorching hot" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "oppressively hot" a formal or informal expression?

"Oppressively hot" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While descriptive, it is not considered slang or overly colloquial. Its usage is common in news reports, scientific articles, and everyday conversation.

What makes "oppressively hot" different from "very hot"?

"Oppressively hot" implies not just high temperature, but also a sense of discomfort and being overwhelmed by the heat. "Very hot" is a more neutral and less evocative description. "Oppressively hot" suggests a heat that is hard to bear.