Temperature is often described by which two terms?

Temperature is fundamentally a measure of the thermal energy of a substance, and it is commonly described using the terms "hot" and "cold." These terms provide a clear and intuitive understanding of temperature variations. "Hot" indicates a higher thermal energy state, while "cold" represents lower thermal energy. This standard classification helps people relate to temperature experiences in everyday life, such as distinguishing between the warmth of a sunny day and the chill of winter.

The other options involve descriptors that do not directly pertain to temperature. For example, "warm" and "cool" are more relative and can sometimes lack precision in describing thermal energy. "Wet" and "dry" refer to humidity levels rather than temperature itself, while "light" and "dark" describe illumination rather than thermal conditions. Thus, the association of temperature with "hot" and "cold" is the most appropriate and universally understood terminology.