Dampness

Pronunciation: /ˈdæmpnəs/

Definitions of dampness

noun moisture or wetness that makes something slightly wet

Example Sentences

A1 The dampness in the basement made the air feel musty.

A2 She could smell the dampness of the forest after the rain.

B1 The dampness of the clothes left outside to dry was a sign of impending rain.

B2 The old house had a constant problem with dampness in the walls.

C1 The dampness of the soil was ideal for growing mushrooms.

C2 The dampness of the cave created a mysterious atmosphere for the spelunkers.

Examples of dampness in a Sentence

formal The dampness in the basement is causing mold to grow on the walls.

informal I hate the dampness in this old house - it makes everything feel musty.

slang The dampness in the air is making my hair frizz up like crazy.

figurative The dampness of her eyes betrayed her true emotions.

Grammatical Forms of dampness

• plural: dampnesses
• comparative: more damp
• superlative: most damp
• present tense: dampen
• future tense: will dampen
• perfect tense: has dampened
• continuous tense: is dampening
• singular: dampness
• positive degree: damp
• infinitive: to dampen
• gerund: dampening
• participle: dampened

Origin and Evolution of dampness

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'dampness' originated from the Middle English word 'dampnesse' which was derived from the Old French word 'dampness' meaning 'moisture'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'dampness' has retained its original meaning of moisture or wetness, but has also come to be used in a figurative sense to describe a lack of enthusiasm or energy.