Master confusing words with ease
Balmy vs. Barmy
Balmy
/ˈbɑːmi/Examples:
The balmy breeze carried the scent of ocean salt.Her mood improved under the balmy, moonlit evening.They strolled through the park on a balmy spring day.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Barmy
Examples:
Her idea of wearing socks with sandals seemed a bit barmy.He had a barmy notion of starting a cat circus at home.The rumors about alien invasions were pure barmy nonsense.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Balmy often refers to something pleasantly warm, like a nice day. Imagine wearing balm for a soothing sensation.
- Barmy is a term used chiefly in British English to mean crazy or foolish. It sounds like alarm-y which helps remember its quirky context.
- Balmy should make you think of balm, calm, and warmth.
- To keep the crazy meaning in mind for barmy, imagine someone needing a bar to hold onto because they're feeling wacky.
- Both words share a soft b and y, but their meanings are as different as night and day.
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