Chilliness: meaning, definitions and examples
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chilliness
[ˈtʃɪli.nəs ]
Definitions
feeling of coldness
Chilliness refers to the state or sensation of feeling cold. It is the discomfort or shivering that comes from being exposed to low temperatures.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| chilliness |
Use when describing a slight or uncomfortable cold sensation, often accompanied by discomfort.
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| coldness |
Good for describing a more severe or persistent state of low temperature, or metaphorically, to describe an emotionless or unfriendly attitude.
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| coolness |
Used for describing a moderate, refreshing cold, often pleasant or soothing. It can also refer to a calm, collected demeanor.
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| chill |
Best for describing a sudden or intense cold feeling or when referring to a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
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Examples of usage
- The chilliness of the room made him reach for a sweater.
- She wrapped herself in a blanket to ward off the chilliness of the night.
- I could feel the chilliness of the wind as I walked outside.
- The chilliness in the air signaled the arrival of winter.
- Despite the chilliness, she enjoyed the fresh air of the morning.
characteristic of being unfriendly or aloof
Chilliness can also refer to a demeanor or attitude that is unfriendly or aloof. It describes a coldness in behavior or interactions.
Synonyms
aloofness, coldness, unfriendliness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| chilliness |
Chilliness refers to a sensation of cold, often used to describe a physical feeling. It's typically not used to describe someone's behavior or attitude.
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| aloofness |
Aloofness describes a person's distant or detached attitude. It implies a deliberate emotional distance and is often seen as a negative trait.
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| unfriendliness |
Unfriendliness refers specifically to a lack of friendliness or warmth in behavior. It is always negative and points to rude or inhospitable actions.
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| coldness |
Coldness can describe both a physical sensation (like chilliness) and an emotional state. When used to describe behavior, it implies an indifferent or unwelcoming attitude.
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Examples of usage
- His chilliness towards his colleagues made it difficult to work together.
- The manager's chilliness created a tense atmosphere in the office.
- She sensed a hint of chilliness in his response to her question.
- The chilliness of her reception dampened his enthusiasm for the project.
- Despite her initial chilliness, she eventually warmed up to the new employee.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the Old English 'ciele', meaning coolness or coldness.
- It has evolved over centuries, with similar words in other languages reflecting coldness, like 'frais' in French.
- The suffix '-ness' is used to turn adjectives into nouns, indicating a state or condition, as seen in other words like 'happiness' or 'sadness'.
Science
- Chilliness can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, leading to shivering as the body tries to produce heat.
- Cold temperatures can impact mood, with research showing that chilliness can lead to feelings of sadness or lethargy.
- Hypothermia is a serious condition that can occur during extreme chilliness, showing how important it is to stay warm.
Cultural References
- In literature, chilliness often symbolizes isolation or sadness, seen in works like 'The Great Gatsby' where cold weather mirrors emotional distance.
- Chilliness is a popular theme during winter festivities, represented in songs like 'Let It Snow' which celebrate cozy gatherings despite the cold.
- In filmmaking, directors use chilliness to create an eerie atmosphere, especially in horror movies to evoke fear or discomfort.
Psychology
- People’s perception of chilliness can vary based on individual sensitivity to temperature, influenced by psychological and physical factors.
- Studies show that colder environments can lead to decreased cognitive performance, highlighting the impact of chilliness on the brain.
- Chilliness can evoke nostalgia or longing for warmth, often reminding individuals of fewer comfortable memories like summer days.
Health
- Exposure to chilliness may increase the risk of illnesses, as colder conditions can weaken the immune system.
- Staying warm can improve sleep quality; thus, chilliness during night-time can interfere with restful sleep.
- Certain clothing choices, like thermal wear, can significantly improve comfort levels in chilly environments, showing the importance of proper gear.
Translations
Translations of the word "chilliness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 frieza
🇮🇳 ठंडक (ṭhanḍak)
🇩🇪 Kühle
🇮🇩 kedinginan
🇺🇦 прохолода
🇵🇱 chłód
🇯🇵 寒さ (samusa)
🇫🇷 fraîcheur
🇪🇸 frialdad
🇹🇷 soğukluk
🇰🇷 냉기 (naenggi)
🇸🇦 برودة (burudah)
🇨🇿 chlad
🇸🇰 chlad
🇨🇳 寒意 (hányì)
🇸🇮 hlad
🇮🇸 kuldaleiki
🇰🇿 салқындық (salqyndyq)
🇬🇪 სიცივე (sic'ive)
🇦🇿 soyuqluq
🇲🇽 frialdad