Pronunciation: [bˈɑːmi] (IPA) 
The word "balmy" is spelled with a silent "l" and pronounced /ˈbɑː.mi/. The "b" is pronounced with a soft "a" sound, as in "ball," and the "a" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. The "l" at the end of the word is silent, so it should not be pronounced. This can cause confusion for those unfamiliar with the word's spelling, as it looks like it should be pronounced with two syllables, rather than the one-syllable /ˈbɑː.mi/.
Balmy is an adjective that refers to something or someone that is mild, gentle, or soothing, often describing weather conditions or air quality. It is commonly associated with a pleasantly warm or refreshing climate, where the atmosphere is not excessively hot, cold, or harsh. A balmy climate typically provides a comfortable and agreeable temperature range, avoiding extreme heat or coldness. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a calm and peaceful state or a soothing effect.
When used to describe weather, balmy often suggests a delightful sensation and a pleasant change from extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions. For instance, a balmy summer evening might evoke images of a gentle breeze, a serene ambiance, and a moderate temperature that allows for outdoor activities without discomfort. In coastal areas, balmy can refer to a temperate climate influenced by ocean currents, which keeps temperatures mild and equable throughout the year.
Furthermore, balmy can also describe a soothing quality, such as a balmy lotion or a balmy fragrance, which provides a calming or healing effect on the skin or senses. In a broader sense, it can be used to characterize a person who has a calming and comforting influence, emanating a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. Overall, this versatile adjective is predominantly associated with mildness, gentleness, and an agreeable atmosphere or effect.
Like balm; mild; soothing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "balmy" comes from the Old French word "balmier" or "baumé", which was derived from the Latin "balsamum" or "balsamum". These Latin words were ultimately derived from the Greek word "balsamon", which referred to a fragrant resin or ointment. This Greek word had origins in the Semitic languages, with the Hebrew word "basam" and the Arabic word "balsam" meaning "balsam tree" or "balsam resin". Over time, "balmy" came to describe a soothing, mild, and pleasantly aromatic quality, often related to mild weather or a gentle breeze.
