hotter

Hotter is the comparative form of the adjective hot in English. It describes a higher degree of heat relative to another object or moment, as in "The coffee is hotter than the tea." It is also used to indicate increasing temperature over time, such as in weather or climate discussions: "This week is hotter than last year."

Beyond temperature, hotter can convey greater intensity or appeal. In everyday speech it can describe spiciness (hotter sauce), excitement (a hotter topic), or popularity (a hotter market). The sense often depends on context, with the comparative signaling a relative comparison rather than an absolute measurement.

In scientific and technical usage, hotter refers to a higher thermal energy state, typically quantified on a temperature scale such as Celsius or Fahrenheit. The term remains flexible across domains, applying to weather data, energy discussions, and everyday remarks about comfort or danger associated with heat.

Grammar notes: hotter is formed from the adjective hot by adding the comparative suffix -er. The related superlative is hottest. The word originates from Old English hot and is cognate with similar forms in other Germanic languages, reflecting a long-standing pattern of degree grading in English.

See also: hot; heat; temperature; temperature scales.