Write the perfect sunny scene in your novel by using the following 10 words to describe the feeling of the sun.
1. Balmy
Definition
Pleasantly warm.
Examples
“The balmy rays of the sun caressed her skin.”
“The weather was balmy, and the warm sunshine not only put him in a good mood but the garden flowers, too.”
How it Adds Description
When the sun feels nicely warm on your skin, it can be described as “balmy”. Not only that, but the word conjures up images of medicine balms or ointments, helping to show the healing and therapeutic nature of the sun on your setting and characters.
2. Blazing
Definition
- Bright and hot.
- Powerful or impressive.
Examples
“While the blazing sun is good news for some, redheads need to beware.”
“The blazing sun beat down on them, making the journey across the desert even harder.”
How it Adds Description
If you need to describe not only the sun’s might but also how hot it is, consider the word “blazing”. This not only conjures up images of a strong, intense fire but also gives it an air of majesty, too.
3. Burning
Definition
- Very hot or on fire.
- Providing a sensation or pain that is hot.
Examples
“As soon as she moved out of the shade, she could feel the burning sun prickling her skin.”
“The sunshine was one of the main reasons they had chosen this place for their vacation, but with two of them down with heatstroke, its burning power was just too much.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes the sun isn’t so much of a welcome visitor when it comes to the sensation it gives us, and can often be more harmful than good. If it is very hot, your characters will need to watch out for the “burning” sun, and hope that they don’t cook!
4. Embrace
Definition
- To enthusiastically accept something.
- To hold someone tightly in a loving way.
Examples
“As the sun poked its way through the clouds, it enveloped her in its warm embrace.”
“After so many long and cold nights, the people of the North longed for the sun’s embrace.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes it can feel like the sun is physically hugging us, and its warm sensation can be incredibly comforting, almost like a loved one. As a result, you can liken the feeling of the sun to an “embrace”.
5. Invigorating
Definition
Filling someone with energy and vitality.
Examples
“The feeling of the sun and the slight breeze was invigorating, helping to fuel her for her morning run.”
“There is something about spending time in sunnier climes that always leaves an invigorating feeling.”
How it Adds Description
The sun can often help to fill people with energy and optimism to start their day, or even fill them with hope after countless gray skies. To describe how the sun helps to revitalize, try using the word “invigorating”.
6. Oppressive
Definition
- Very hot, with little to no wind or relief.
- Making someone feel uncomfortable.
Examples
“The oppressive heat of the sun bore down on them, turning their lungs to paper and their feet to lead.”
“Many people can struggle in the oppressive desert sun, and it can take a while to get used to.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes the sun can be our worst enemy, making us feel like there is no let up from the heat it provides. This can often stop people from being able to do things, such as sleep or move around, and is rather “oppressive” in this regard!
7. Overwhelming
Definition
- Difficult to fight against.
- Strong or great in number or power.
Examples
“For someone who had grown up in a frozen wasteland, the sun here was overwhelming.”
“The feeling of the sun on her skin gave her an overwhelming sense of hope. After so long in the darkness, things were finally going to be better than they were.”
How it Adds Description
The sun can be gentle, but sometimes it can seem “overwhelming”. Depending upon your character this might be a positive or a negative thing: they may find the sun to be too much, or they may find that it is able to fill them with powerful emotions to push them onwards.
8. Scorching
Definition
Very hot to the point where it becomes uncomfortable.
Examples
“The scorching sun had turned the sand into hot coals under their feet, making them dance across the beach like clumsy ballerinas.”
“The sheer heat and power of the sun were scorching her skin within minutes of stepping out of the door.”
How it Adds Description
“Scorching” brings up images of putting something to the flame, and this is sometimes how the sun can feel! The incredibly hot temperatures can burn quickly, or cause pain, showing that even days of bright sunshine can have their dangers, or not be as pleasant as they seem.
9. Soothing
Definition
- Creating a feeling of calm.
- Gently relieving pain.
Examples
“The feeling of the sun on her skin was always so soothing, many said that the time she spent outside gardening in the sunshine was one of the true secrets to her sprightliness even at her grand old age.”
“The soothing sun was a great relief from the harsh lighting of the office.”
How it Adds Description
The sun can provide pleasant feelings and help people to feel at ease. Some even feel that the sun can help to heal their aches and pains, or at least make them easier to deal with. If the sun is a comfort to characters in your story, consider describing it as “soothing”.
10. Soporific
Definition
Making someone fall asleep or want to fall asleep.
Examples
“The soporific effect of the sun beaming through the window onto her desk made her wish for her bed. She couldn’t wait for this lesson to be over.”
“Soporific sunbeams streamed through the gossamer-thin curtains, making her appear for all intents and purposes to be some sort of sleeping beauty, albeit one whose snores could easily be mistaken for a rambunctious herd of elephants.”
How it Adds Description
We are all guilty of having a bit of a doze in the sun, and if you need to describe the sleep-inducing effect of the sunshine, “soporific” makes for a great choice. Let’s hope your characters don’t end up sleeping through anything important!