balmy
UK: ˈbɑːmi | US: ˈbɑːmi
adj. (of weather) pleasantly warm and mild
adj. soothing or refreshing; gentle
adj. (archaic/informal) foolish or eccentric
The word "balmy" derives from "balm," a fragrant resin or oil used for healing or soothing, originating from Latin balsamum (via Old French basme). The suffix "-y" transforms it into an adjective, originally describing things with the qualities of balm (soothing, fragrant). Over time, it expanded to describe mild weather (like a soothing breeze) and, colloquially, eccentric behavior (perhaps likened to being "soft in the head").
The balmy evening air carried the scent of blooming jasmine.
She applied a balmy lotion to her sunburned skin.
His balmy suggestion to sail during the storm raised eyebrows.
The island enjoys a balmy climate year-round.
(Archaic) The villagers thought the old hermit’s balmy tales were amusing.