cozy

/ˈkəʊzi/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈozi] /ˈkəʊzi/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈozi] /ˈkō-zē/ (ame, mw)

cozy — adjective

  • cozypositive
  • coziercomparative
  • coziestsuperlative

1. The American way of writing 'cosy', using a 'z' in place of the 's'.

1.形容詞A2
釋義

The American way of writing 'cosy', using a 'z' in place of the 's'.

例句

Tamar grew up in Chicago, so she always writes 'cozy' with a 'z', not 'cosy'.

American spelling: cozy (z) vs British cosy (s)

Justin's laptop kept changing 'cozy' to 'cosy' after he selected British English.

用法筆記

This is the American spelling only. The British and Commonwealth spelling is 'cosy'. The two are otherwise identical in meaning and pronunciation.

常見錯誤

I love this cosy little room' (in American English).
I love this cozy little room.
💡In the US, use 'cozy' with a 'z'; 'cosy' with an 's' is the British spelling.

2. Giving you a pleasant feeling of warmth, comfort, and safety, especially when yo

2.形容詞A2
釋義

Giving you a pleasant feeling of warmth, comfort, and safety, especially when you are inside a small space such as a room, a bed, or a corner near a fire.

例句

Soraya curled up in a cozy armchair beside the fireplace with a thick book.

collocation: cozy armchair / cozy by the fire

The mountain cabin felt cozy with its wooden walls and a warm stove.

同義詞
  • snug

    Similar in meaning but less common; snug emphasizes being well-protected from cold or wind.

  • comfortable

    Broader in meaning; comfortable does not specifically suggest a small space or warmth.

反義詞

用法筆記

Commonly describes small enclosed spaces (rooms, cabins, beds, corners) rather than large open areas. The feeling combines physical warmth with emotional comfort.

常見錯誤

This huge hall feels cozy.
This small reading nook feels cozy.
💡A 'cozy' space is small and enclosed, not large.

3. Describing a social setting or event that feels warm, relaxed, friendly, and pri

3.形容詞B1
釋義

Describing a social setting or event that feels warm, relaxed, friendly, and private, like being among family or close friends.

例句

The dinner party had a cozy atmosphere, with everyone chatting late into the night.

collocation: cozy atmosphere

Beatriz loved the cozy feel of the bookshop, where customers sat and drank tea.

collocation: cozy feel

同義詞
  • intimate

    Emphasizes privacy and closeness among a small group; slightly more formal than cozy.

  • friendly

    Focuses on kindness of people rather than the atmosphere itself.

反義詞
  • formal

    Stiff, rule-bound, and lacking the relaxed feeling of a cozy gathering.

  • cold

    Unfriendly or unwelcoming in atmosphere.

用法筆記

Describes the social or emotional atmosphere of a place, not its physical warmth. Distinguish from sense 2, which focuses on physical comfort in a small warm space.

4. Describing a connection or deal between people or groups that is too close in a

4.形容詞B2
釋義

Describing a connection or deal between people or groups that is too close in a dishonest or improper way, often for secret mutual advantage.

例句

Journalists accused the two companies of a cozy deal that kept prices high for customers.

collocation: cozy deal (negative)

The cozy relationship between the inspector and the builder led to safety violations.

同義詞
  • collusive

    Formal and legalistic; implies secret cooperation to cheat or deceive.

  • conspiratorial

    Suggests secret planning to do something illegal or harmful.

反義詞
  • arms-length

    Describes a proper, professional relationship with no improper closeness.

  • proper

    Following rules and ethical standards.

文法句型

cozy with [person/institution]

cozy relationship between [X] and [Y]

用法筆記

Almost always used in a critical or negative context. Typically followed by 'with' (cozy with someone) or 'between' (cozy relationship between two parties).

常見錯誤

My friend and I have a cozy relationship' (meaning warm/friendly).
The two companies had a cozy relationship that hurt consumers.
💡This sense is negative and implies dishonesty, not friendship.

cozy — noun