What does sultrier mean?
Sultrier is the comparative form of sultry, meaning more sultry. In its dominant modern use, it describes a person, expression, pose, voice, or atmosphere that seems especially alluring, sensuous, or provocative. The word often conveys a slightly theatrical or old-fashioned flavor, so it can appear in fashion copy, literary description, or playful commentary. It can also mean more hot, close, and oppressive, especially when comparing weather or climates, though that use is less frequent than the suggestive one. Because it is a comparative, sultrier normally requires a standard of comparison, either explicit or understood: “more sultrier than before” would be redundant. The word is useful where ordinary terms such as attractive feel too general and sexy too blunt, allowing a writer to suggest both sensuality and a degree of elegance. It is understood in British and American English, with essentially no regional distinction.
adjectiveThe comparative form of sultry. It means more alluring, sensuous, or suggestive and, less commonly, more hot or oppressive.
- More alluring, sensuous, or suggestive.
- More hot, close, or oppressive, especially in reference to weather or climate.
"She looked even sultrier in the crimson dress."
"She looked even sultrier in the crimson dress."
"The late-afternoon heat made the crowded terrace feel even sultrier."
Though it means “more alluring,” sultrier shares an unexpectedly royal root with sultan.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sultrier
Sultrier is formed by adding the comparative suffix -er to sultry. Sultry has Middle English forms meaning “sweet” or “luxurious” that were related to Old French sustre and ultimately to Arabic sulṭ, the same broad root found in sultan. Its later sense for oppressive heat has a less transparent historical development, although the word's association with sweetness and luxury remains evident in its principal modern sense.
Related word forms
How sultrier is actually used
Sultrier is somewhat literary or playfully sensuous in tone. It is especially common in descriptions of a person's appearance, expression, voice, or bearing, but it is understood in both British and American English.
Easily confused with sultrier
Sultrier means more alluring, sensuous, or oppressive, whereas saltier means containing or tasting more salt.