Clouded vs. Cloudy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Clouded describes an obscured or unclear state of mind or situation, whereas cloudy refers specifically to the sky filled with clouds.
Difference Between Clouded and Cloudy
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Key Differences
Clouded often implies a metaphorical or figurative obscurity, as in thoughts or perceptions being unclear or confused. Cloudy, on the other hand, specifically describes the physical appearance of the sky when it is covered with clouds.
When something is clouded, it can also suggest being overshadowed by emotions or complicated by factors that reduce clarity. Cloudy, whereas, is primarily used to describe weather conditions and does not imply emotional or mental states.
Clouded can be used in various contexts, such as a clouded judgment or clouded glass, indicating something is obscured or less transparent. Cloudy weather indicates a sky predominantly covered by clouds, often leading to overcast conditions.
The term clouded may also refer to a situation or outcome that is uncertain or unclear, suggesting complications. Cloudy skies suggest the potential for precipitation, focusing more on weather forecasts than metaphorical implications.
In literature, clouded emotions or memories can be a thematic element, symbolizing confusion or distress. In contrast, a cloudy day can set a somber or gloomy mood in a scene, focusing on the setting rather than internal states.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Metaphorical for obscurity or lack of clarity
Describing sky filled with clouds
Contexts
Mental, emotional, visual obscurity
Weather conditions
Implications
Uncertainty, confusion, obscured visibility
Potential for rain, overcast skies
Associated Conditions
Clouded judgment, clouded glass
Cloudy day, cloudy skies
Emotional or Physical
Often emotional or perceptual
Primarily physical and observable
Compare with Definitions
Clouded
Covered or smeared with something that obscures.
The mirror was clouded with dust.
Cloudy
Covered with or characterized by clouds.
It was a cloudy afternoon.
Clouded
Obscured or made less visible or clear.
The windows were clouded with steam.
Cloudy
Indicative of impending rain.
The forecast predicted a cloudy day with showers.
Clouded
Overcast or darkened in expression.
His face clouded over when he heard the news.
Cloudy
Lacking transparency or clarity.
The juice was cloudy, not clear.
Clouded
Confused or muddled in thought.
His judgment was clouded by anger.
Cloudy
Full of or resembling clouds.
The sky was cloudy and grey.
Clouded
Made opaque or less transparent.
Her eyes clouded with tears.
Cloudy
Gloomy or somber in mood.
His mood was as cloudy as the weather.
Clouded
A visible body of very fine water droplets or ice particles suspended in the atmosphere at altitudes ranging up to several miles above sea level.
Cloudy
Full of or covered with clouds; overcast.
Clouded
A mass of particles or droplets, as of dust, smoke, or steam, suspended in the atmosphere or existing in outer space.
Cloudy
Of or like a cloud or clouds.
Clouded
A large moving body of things in the air or on the ground; a swarm
A cloud of locusts.
Cloudy
Marked with indistinct masses or streaks
Cloudy marble.
Clouded
A collection of particles or other small entities
An electron cloud.
A cloud of spores.
Cloudy
Not transparent, as certain liquids.
Clouded
An opaque mass of particles suspended in water
A cloud of silt in the pond.
Cloudy
Open to more than one interpretation.
Clouded
A dark region or blemish, as on a polished stone.
Cloudy
Not clearly perceived or perceptible.
Clouded
A state or cause of sadness, worry, or anger
At the bad news a cloud fell over the celebration.
Cloudy
Troubled; gloomy
His future at the company is cloudy.
Clouded
A state or cause of confusion or misunderstanding
Writing made difficult by a cloud of jargon.
Cloudy
Covered with or characterised by clouds; overcast.
Clouded
A state or cause of suspicion or disgrace
A cloud of mistrust lingers among the signers of the treaty.
Cloudy
Not transparent or clear.
Clouded
A large area of coordinated wireless internet service.
Cloudy
(of fruit juice) Containing pith
Clouded
The collection of data and services available through the internet
Stored company data in the cloud.
Cloudy
Uncertain; unclear.
Clouded
To cover or obscure with clouds
We could not see the moon because the sky was clouded over.
Cloudy
Using or relating to cloud computing.
A cloudy infrastructure
Clouded
To make less clear or transparent
Smoke clouded the sky. Steam clouded the windows.
Cloudy
Shady; sketchy; suspicious
Clouded
To make sorrowful, troubled, or angry
A bad memory that clouded his spirits.
Cloudy
Overcast or obscured with clouds; clouded; as, a cloudy sky.
Clouded
To cause to appear sorrowful, troubled, or angry
Worry clouded her face.
Cloudy
Consisting of a cloud or clouds.
As Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended.
Clouded
To make difficult to know or understand; make obscure or uncertain
The economic downturn clouded the future of the project.
Cloudy
Indicating gloom, anxiety, sullenness, or ill-nature; not open or cheerful.
Clouded
To confuse
Don't let your resentments cloud your judgment.
Cloudy
Confused; indistinct; obscure; dark.
Cloudy and confused notions of things.
Clouded
To cast aspersions on; sully
Scandal clouded the officer's reputation.
Cloudy
Lacking clearness, brightness, or luster.
Clouded
To become cloudy or overcast
The sky clouded over.
Cloudy
Marked with veins or sports of dark or various hues, as marble.
Clouded
To become dark, obscure, or less transparent
The water in the tank clouded up.
Cloudy
Lacking definite form or limits;
Gropes among cloudy issues toward a feeble conclusion
Nebulous distinction between pride and conceit
Clouded
To show sorrow, worry, or anger
His face clouded at the news.
Cloudy
(of especially liquids) clouded as with sediment;
A cloudy liquid
Muddy coffee
Murky waters
Clouded
Filled with clouds.
Cloudy
Full of or covered with clouds;
Cloudy skies
Clouded
(figurative) Unclear; surrounded in mystery.
Clouded
Made dim or blurry.
The clouded eyes of the sick man
Clouded
Variegated with spots.
A clouded cane
Clouded
Simple past tense and past participle of cloud
Clouded
Made troubled or apprehensive or distressed in appearance;
His face was clouded with unhappiness
Clouded
Filled or abounding with clouds
Clouded
Mentally disordered;
A mind clouded by sorrow
Clouded
Unclear in form or expression;
The blurred aims of the group
Sometimes one understood clearly and sometimes the meaning was clouded
Common Curiosities
Does cloudy always indicate that it will rain?
While cloudy skies suggest the presence of clouds that could lead to rain, it does not guarantee precipitation.
How do meteorologists define "cloudy"?
Meteorologists typically define "cloudy" as a condition where 80-100% of the sky is covered by clouds.
Can "cloudy" refer to materials other than air or sky?
Yes, "cloudy" can describe other substances that are opaque or milky, such as cloudy diamond or cloudy apple juice.
What is a "clouded leopard"?
The clouded leopard is a wild cat found in the Himalayan foothills, known for its cloud-like blotches on the fur.
Can "clouded" be used to describe water?
Yes, water can be described as clouded if it is murky or has reduced clarity due to suspended particles.
What are the emotional implications of a "cloudy" description in literature?
In literature, describing the setting as cloudy often sets a mood of uncertainty, gloom, or suspense.
How does "cloudy" affect solar panel efficiency?
Cloudy weather can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels by decreasing the amount of sunlight they receive.
What is the origin of the term "clouded"?
The term "clouded" originates from the Old English word 'clud', referring to a mass of rock or hill, metaphorically used to describe something obscured or hidden.
Is "clouded" commonly used in medical terms?
Yes, in medical terminology, "clouded" can be used to describe obscured physical conditions, like clouded urine or clouded consciousness.
Can mood be described as "clouded"?
Yes, someone's mood can be described as "clouded" when it is affected by confusion or sadness, making it less clear or joyful.
What literary devices use "cloudy" effectively?
Authors often use "cloudy" as a metaphor or symbol for confusion, mystery, or barriers in understanding.
Can the clarity of a photograph be described as cloudy?
Yes, a photograph can be described as cloudy if it lacks sharpness or has a haze that reduces visibility of details.
How does "clouded" interact with other senses in descriptive writing?
In descriptive writing, "clouded" can interact with senses like sight (clouded vision), taste (clouded flavors), or smell (clouded by smoke).
Is "cloudy" a permanent characteristic of weather in some regions?
In some regions, like the Pacific Northwest of the USA or the UK, "cloudy" can describe the predominant weather condition for long periods.
What impact does cloudy weather have on outdoor activities?
Cloudy weather can lead to cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight, which might affect outdoor activities, especially those requiring bright sunlight.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
