1 hour ago, drpaladin said:

Repeated polar vortexes have made warmth a rare commodity. 

Where I am in Aussieland, and away from the polar vortexes, warmth is a daily expectation.

Another type of warmth has been demonstrated in the response to the death, in the last couple of days, of an elderly member of our extended family.

The noun warmth originated in Middle English (late 12th century, warmeth or wearmth), derived from the old English adjective wearm -th.  It denotes a state of being warm, or moderate heat.  The etymology of the adjective warm itself is of uncertain, debated origin. Option A: Is that it may have come from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root *gwher- ("to heat, warm"), which is also the source of the Greek thermos ("warm") and Latin formus ("warm").  Option B: Is that it may stem from the PIE root *wer- ("to burn"), which is connected to Armeanian vaṙel ("to burn"). . 

The evolution of the meaning of the word warmth is as follows: Physical meaning (12c.): Originally used to describe a "state of being warm; gentle or moderate heat of the atmosphere".  Metaphorical meaning (late 15c.): Developed to refer to "ardent, full of zeal" feelings.  Temperament meaning (1710): Used to describe a heated temper or anger.  Art meaning (1717): Referred to color in paintings.  And Game meaning (1860): Used in the sense of being "close to the thing that is sought" (e.g., "you're getting warm"). 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun warmth is derived from the Old English word wiermþu (warmth), originating from Proto-Germanic *warmiþo-.  It was first used in English during the Middle English period (33+.-1500), with the earliest recorded evidence appearing around 1175 in the Lambeth Homilies.  Originally, it referred to the state of being warm or gentle heat (1175).  By the 1590s, it might refer to "lively geniality" or "excited state of feeling, and later it came to mean a "heated state of temper" (1710). 

Warmth in writing stories is crucial because it acts as an "invitation" to the reader, building a sense of trust and emotional connection that keeps them engaged.  It acts as the emotional heart of a story, transforming flat, intellectual narratives into immersive experiences that resonate on a personal level. 

Key Reasons for Warmth in Stories: 
Creates Emotional Connection: Warmth, defined as a caring disposition or "an emotion of welcome," ensures that readers don't just read the story, but feel it. 
Fosters Empathy: By evoking emotion through relatable characters and scenes, warmth helps readers step into the shoes of the characters, fostering compassion and understanding. 
Builds Trust and Safety: It allows for a "secure space" for the reader to engage with potentially difficult, vulnerable, or sensitive topics. 
Prevents "Other-izing": Warmth bridges the gap between different perspectives or experiences, preventing the audience from pushing characters away. 
Increases Retention and Impact: According to Maya Angelou, people forget what you said or did, but never how you made them feel. Warmth ensures a lasting, emotional impact. 

Techniques for Adding Warmth to Writing:  
Use Sensory Details: Notice small, specific details that add comfort, such as sun-kissed skin or quiet moments. 
Focus on Character Reactions: Show how characters are realistically affected by their situations, moving them from "cardboard cutouts" to real people. 
Infuse Vulnerability: Share authentic emotions and vulnerabilities, allowing your characters to be relatable, flawed, and human. 
Incorporate "Small Kindnesses": Include gestures, smiles, or open body language in dialogue to show caring rather than just telling the reader about it. 
Weave in Atmosphere: Use descriptions of the environment (like a cozy room or gentle weather) to set a nurturing or safe mood. 

Just the facts:

WARMTH Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

WARMTH Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

WARMTH Related Words - Merriam-Webster