B2 adjective Neutral

blizzard

/ˈblɪz.ərd/

A severe snowstorm characterized by very strong winds and low visibility over an extended period. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to an overwhelming or confusing mass of something that arrives suddenly, such as data or paperwork.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The mountain climbers were forced to seek shelter when the blizzard hit without warning.

The people climbing the mountain had to find a safe place when the heavy snowstorm started suddenly.

2

Meteorological data suggests that blizzard conditions will persist for at least forty-eight hours.

Weather information indicates that the severe storm conditions will continue for two days.

3

I'm not going out in that blizzard; I'll just wait for the snow to stop.

I am staying inside because of that huge storm; I will wait until it stops snowing.

Word Family

Noun
blizzard
Adjective
blizzard-like
Related
snowstorm
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'bliz' (like a 'blitz' attack) of 'lizards'—imagine a thousand cold, white lizards falling rapidly from the sky.

Quick Quiz

The public relations department had to manage a ______ of media inquiries after the scandal broke.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

The mountain climbers were forced to seek shelter when the blizzard hit without warning.

everyday

The people climbing the mountain had to find a safe place when the heavy snowstorm started suddenly.

2

Meteorological data suggests that blizzard conditions will persist for at least forty-eight hours.

formal

Weather information indicates that the severe storm conditions will continue for two days.

3

I'm not going out in that blizzard; I'll just wait for the snow to stop.

informal

I am staying inside because of that huge storm; I will wait until it stops snowing.

4

The historical analysis focuses on the socio-economic impact of the Great Blizzard of 1888.

academic

The academic study looks at how the massive 1888 snowstorm affected society and the economy.

5

The company faced a blizzard of criticism from shareholders following the release of the quarterly report.

business

The business received a massive amount of negative feedback from investors after the report came out.

Word Family

Noun
blizzard
Adjective
blizzard-like
Related
snowstorm

Common Collocations

blizzard conditions weather states typical of a severe snowstorm
blinding blizzard a snowstorm that makes it impossible to see anything
blizzard of paperwork an overwhelming amount of documents to process
survive a blizzard to remain safe and alive during a dangerous storm
sudden blizzard a snowstorm that begins unexpectedly

Common Phrases

a blizzard of activity

a period of intense and hurried work

weather the blizzard

to endure a difficult or overwhelming situation

blizzard of protest

a massive and sudden outcry against a decision

Often Confused With

blizzard vs snowstorm

A snowstorm is a general term, whereas a blizzard must have winds over 35mph and visibility under 1/4 mile.

blizzard vs whiteout

A whiteout is the visual condition where you can't see anything; a blizzard is the actual storm event.

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Usage Notes

While it literally describes a weather event, 'blizzard' is highly effective in professional writing to describe an overwhelming volume of information or tasks.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'blizzard' for any light snowfall, but it should be reserved for intense, windy, and dangerous conditions.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bliz' (like a 'blitz' attack) of 'lizards'—imagine a thousand cold, white lizards falling rapidly from the sky.

📖

Word Origin

The word's origin is uncertain, but it became popular in the United States in the 1870s, possibly derived from 'blaze' or 'blast'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun often used as an attributive noun (e.g., blizzard conditions) prepositional phrases with 'of' (e.g., blizzard of something)
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Cultural Context

In many northern countries, a blizzard often results in 'snow days' where schools and businesses close for safety.

Quick Quiz

The public relations department had to manage a ______ of media inquiries after the scandal broke.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

sit

A1

To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.

stand

A1

To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.

pay

A1

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.

meet

A1

To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.

continue

A1

To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.

set

A1

To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.

learn

A1

To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.

lead

A1

To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.

understand

A1

To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.

follow

A1

To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.

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