Definition

Adjective: Describes weather that is hot, humid, and windless, causing a feeling of stuffiness, sultriness, and discomfort. It implies a heavy, oppressive heat.

Usage

Used primarily to describe weather conditions, especially during summer or transitional seasons. It conveys a sense of physical discomfort due to the stagnant, muggy air.

Examples

• (The weather today is truly sweltering.)
• (Sweltering summer days make everyone feel tired.)
• (The rain came and dispelled the oppressive heat of the afternoon.)

Advanced Usage

• Can be used metaphorically to describe an atmosphere that feels tense, stifling, or emotionally heavy.
  • Bầu không khí trong phòng họp thật oi ả trước khi giám đốc phát biểu. (The atmosphere in the meeting room was very tense/oppressive before the director spoke.)

Variants and Related Words

• Oi (adj): A shorter, more common form with the same core meaning (hot and stifling). "Oi ả" often carries a slightly more intense or descriptive nuance.
• Oi bức (adj): A near-synonymous compound meaning hot and stifling, very close in meaning and usage to "oi ả".

Synonyms

• Nóng bức (adj): Hot and oppressive.
• Ngột ngạt (adj): Stifling, suffocating; can describe both physical heat and metaphorical atmospheres.
• Bí bách (adj): Stuffy, confined, causing discomfort.

Antonyms

• Mát mẻ (adj): Cool and pleasant (weather).
• Thoáng đãng (adj): Airy, well-ventilated.
• Trong lành (adj): Fresh, pure (air).

adj

1. sweltering