Words / C2

ZEF-uh/ˈzefə/

A zephyr is a soft, gentle breeze (literary): a zephyr of air, a summer zephyr. Wind (already in the dictionary) is everyday and stronger; a lull (already in the dictionary) is a pause in noise, not a light current. A maelstrom (already in the dictionary) is a violent swirl — the opposite flavour. Light applause is not a named post on the night.

Meaning

A soft, gentle breeze (literary).

Examples

• “A zephyr of applause is not a named fire warden.”
• “Wind is everyday (already in A1). A lull is a brief calm (already in C2). A maelstrom is a violent swirl (already in C2) — the contrast. Quiet after a sitting can be harmless. Quiet instead of a rota is a hole. Write the name; then the air may move as it likes.”

Good to know

A soft breeze (literary). Everyday: breeze / wind (already in this dictionary). Close: lull (a pause — already in C2). Contrast: maelstrom (violent swirl — already in C2). Applause ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

breeze, puff, draught, waft

New