Wet

Definition

Wet is an adjective describing something covered or saturated with liquid, typically water. As a verb, it means to make something wet, and as a noun, it refers to moisture or liquid in a specific context.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɛt/
• Respelling: wet

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɛt/
• Respelling: wet

Etymology

The word "wet" originates from Old English "wæt," meaning "moist" or "liquid," derived from Proto-Germanic "*watiz" and Proto-Indo-European "*wed-," meaning "to be full of water." Its use has remained consistent in describing moisture and saturation.

Derivatives

• Wetness (noun)
• Wetter (adjective)
• Wettest (adjective)
• Wettable (adjective)
• Wetland (noun)

Synonyms

• Moist
• Saturated
• Damp

Antonyms

• Dry
• Parched
• Arid

Usage

As an adjective, "wet" describes an object or surface covered in liquid. For example, "Her shoes were wet from walking in the rain."

As a verb, "wet" means to apply liquid to something. For example, "He wet the cloth before cleaning the table."

As a noun, "wet" refers to the presence of moisture. For example, "The wet on the floor made it slippery."

Related Terms

• Moisture: A small amount of liquid, often water, present in the air or on a surface.
• Saturation: The state of being thoroughly soaked with liquid.
• Hydration: The process of causing something to absorb water.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Covered or saturated with liquid: Describes something that is damp or soaked.
  • Example: "The ground was still wet after the rainstorm."
• Rainy or humid (weather): Indicates weather conditions involving precipitation.
  • Example: "It has been a particularly wet spring this year."

Verb

• To make something damp or saturated: Refers to the act of applying or spilling liquid.
  • Example: "He wet the paintbrush before using it."

Noun

• The state or condition of being wet: Refers to moisture present on a surface or in the air.
  • Example: "The wet of the dew covered the grass in the morning."
• Rain or precipitation: Used in informal contexts to describe rainy weather.
  • Example: "They stayed inside to avoid the wet."