adj
Uncommon
comfy
KUHM-fee
Comfy (adj) means Comfortable; cozy and relaxing (informal). Example: “These old jeans are so comfy I never want to take them off.”
adj
1
Comfortable; cozy and relaxing (informal).
"These old jeans are so comfy I never want to take them off."
"Sink into the comfy armchair by the fire."
"As an industry, the railways need to give passengers comfy seats. OK, in this case you might only be on the train for 20 or 30 minutes, but why should you not have comfort for even the shortest of journeys?"
— Pip Dunn, Merseyrail '777s' are OK for commuters (2023)
"The robe and slippers were so warm and comfy she just fell asleep in her chair."
""We're all gettin' a deal too soft and dull and comfy. Give me the great waste lands and the wide spaces, with a gun in my fist and somethin' to look for that's worth findin'.""
— Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World … (1912)
How to use comfy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual, everyday way of saying "comfortable."
When to use it
Informal and conversational — fine in speech and casual writing, but use "comfortable" in formal contexts.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- comfier
- Superlative
- comfiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
These old jeans are so _____ I never want to take them off.
Etymology
A casual shortening of "comfortable," first common in the early 1800s.
Class of 1800
comfy joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “comfy” mean?
The word “comfy” means comfortable; cozy and relaxing (informal). In plain terms, a casual, everyday way of saying "comfortable.".
How do you pronounce “comfy”?
“Comfy” is pronounced KUHM-fee (/ˈkʌm.fi/ in IPA).
How do you use “comfy” in a sentence?
Here is “comfy” used in a sentence: “These old jeans are so comfy I never want to take them off.”
What part of speech is “comfy”?
“Comfy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “comfy” come from?
The word “comfy” dates back to around 1800. A casual shortening of "comfortable," first common in the early 1800s.
Is “comfy” a common word?
“Comfy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between comfy and comfortable?
Comfy is an informal, shortened version of comfortable and carries a casual, friendly tone suited to everyday speech. Comfortable is the neutral, standard form appropriate for both formal and informal writing, so comfy would sound out of place in a formal report.
When should you avoid using comfy instead of comfortable?
Comfy should be avoided in formal writing, business communication, or academic contexts, where comfortable is the expected choice. Comfy works well in casual conversation, informal messages, or writing meant to sound relaxed and friendly.
What kinds of things are typically described as comfy?
Comfy is commonly used for everyday physical comfort, such as a comfy chair, comfy clothes, or a comfy bed, and can extend informally to comfy situations or routines. It always keeps the same core meaning as comfortable, just in a more casual register.
