torrid

Definitions

torr (scorch) + -id (having the quality of) = "scorching." The literal sense is burning heat (the torrid zone near the equator). From heat the word leaps by metaphor: a torrid affair burns with passion, a torrid pace is punishingly intense.

Why It Means This

Torrid is the branch of torr that kept the original fire. From Latin torrēre (to scorch), it first meant literally burning hot. English then stretched it two ways by metaphor: emotional heat (a torrid romance) and punishing intensity (a torrid pace, a torrid run of bad results). All three senses are the same scorching heat, aimed at weather, passion, or pressure.

Common Collocations

• 1.torrid heat酷热
• 2.torrid affair炽热的恋情
• 3.torrid pace火热的节奏／激烈的竞争
• 4.torrid zone热带地区

Example Sentences

• 1.

  They trekked across the torrid desert under a blazing sun.

• 2.

  The novel describes a torrid affair between two strangers.

• 3.

  The team is going through a torrid spell, losing five games in a row.

Easily Confused

torrid vs torpid — One letter apart, opposite feelings. Torrid = scorching, intense, passionate (a torrid affair). Torpid = sluggish, dull, inactive (a torpid afternoon). Heat and energy → torrid; numb and slow → torpid.