Difference between the words ‘warm’ and ‘hot’

The Atlantic Pavilion with a large pool and fountains, Washington, D.C.

The words ‘warm’ and ‘hot’ are often used to describe temperature, but they can have slightly different meanings depending on the context. There are some general differences between the two:

• Temperature range: ‘Warm’ typically refers to a moderate (milder) or comfortable temperature that is pleasant to the touch or feel. It is usually not as high as the temperature described by ‘hot’. ‘Hot’, on the other hand, usually refers to a higher temperature that can be uncomfortable or even cause discomfort.
• Intensity: ‘Warm’ is often used to describe a mild or gentle heat, while ‘hot’ conveys a more intense or higher degree of heat.
• Subjectivity: The perception of what constitutes ‘warm’ versus ‘hot’ can vary among individuals and can be influenced by personal preferences and cultural norms. What feels warm to one person may feel hot to another.
• Usage: ‘Warm’ can also be used to describe emotions, colours, or personalities in a positive and comforting way. ‘Hot’, on the other hand, is often used in a more intense or passionate context, such as describing spicy food, attractive individuals, or intense situations.

WARM
• Are you warm enough?
• I hope the yellow colour gives the house a warm and inviting feel.
• I need to buy a warm pair of boots for winter.
• It is warm outside today. It is not going to be very hot today.
• It is warm, so you don’t have to take your coat.
• It was nice and warm in the sunshine.
• It was a warm welcome.
• It’s cold today. I will put on a warm sweater.
• She was a warm and loving mother.
• She welcomed me with a warm smile.
• The food is still warm. You can eat the food.
• The water is really nice. It is warm and good to go swimming.
• The weather is going to be warm. I don’t think I need to take a sweater.

HOT
• Bake the fish in a hot oven, for about 15 minutes.
• Be careful, the water is very hot.
• Burkina Faso stands as the hottest country in Africa, while Qatar is known to be the hottest country in Asia.
• Do you prefer your curry hot or mild?
• Drinking a hot tea in summer is the best solution to fight the summer heat.
• Global warming has become a very hot issue.
• He had a hot temper.
• I was hot and tired after the journey.
• It is hot enough to steam a pork bun on the sidewalk.
• It is really hot outside. It is to hot too sleep.
• It is so hot in here. I am going to turn on the air-conditioner.
• It’s so hot that you can fry an egg on the sidewalk.
• It too hot to go outside today.
• It’s so hot in here. Can I open the window?
• Malta remains the hottest country in Europe, closely followed by Cyprus.
• We have just experienced the hottest day ever recorded on Earth.
• That’s a very hot topic, you should write an article about it.
• The bar serves hot and cold food.
• The discussion was very hot.
• The new smartphones are so hot that stores can’t keep them in stock.
• The food is too hot to eat.
• The handle was red hot.
• The office gets unbearably hot in summer.
• The weather is really hot today.
• The weather was hot, so we went to the beach.
• The wine made me feel hot.
• This tea is too hot. I can’t drink it.

Language preferences
• A ‘hot tea’, ‘hot coffee’ or ‘hot chocolate’ is nearly always preferable to a ‘warm’ tea or coffee or chocolate.
• It is preferred to talk about a ‘hot meal’ rather than a ‘warm meal’.
• Many people prefer a ‘hot bath’ to a ‘warm bath’.
• We talk about washing in hot water at 65°C and washing in warm water at 40°C.

To sum up, while both ‘warm’ and ‘hot’ can be used to describe temperature, ‘warm’ typically denotes a milder or comfortable temperature, while ‘hot’ conveys a higher or more intense level of heat. Both words can also be used in other contexts.

Photo: The Atlantic Pavilion with a large pool and fountains. Monument honouring the Americans who fought in the Atlantic theatre during World War II, Washington, D.C.