Frigid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frigid

[ˈfrɪdʒɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather

very cold in temperature; icy

Synonyms

chilly, cold, freezing, icy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
frigid	Used to describe extremely cold temperatures or environments, often severe enough to be uncomfortable or dangerous. Can also describe someone's unemotional and distant behavior. The explorers faced frigid conditions in the Arctic. Her frigid response to his joke made the room feel even colder.
freezing	Describes temperatures at or below the freezing point of water, or situations where it feels extremely cold. It's freezing outside; make sure to bundle up! Her hands were freezing after making a snowman.
icy	Relates to surfaces covered with ice or incredibly cold in a way that feels like ice. Can also describe a person’s very cold and unfriendly demeanor. The roads were icy and difficult to drive on. He gave her an icy look that sent shivers down her spine.
chilly	Used to describe moderately cold weather or temperatures, often with a slight discomfort. It was a chilly morning, perfect for a warm cup of coffee. She felt a bit chilly when the wind picked up.
cold	A general term for low temperatures, used in various contexts from weather to objects to human interactions. The water was too cold for swimming. He received a cold stare from his colleague.

Examples of usage

The frigid wind cut through her coat.
The frigid temperatures forced schools to close.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

emotion

lacking warmth or feeling; cold and distant

Synonyms

aloof, icy, unfriendly, unsympathetic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
frigid	When describing extremely cold weather or a person's cold demeanor. The frigid air made it difficult to stay outside. Her frigid response made it clear she wasn't interested.
unfriendly	When someone is not kind or welcoming. The new neighbor seemed unfriendly and didn't greet anyone. His unfriendly tone put everyone on edge.
unsympathetic	When someone lacks compassion or does not show understanding towards others' feelings. She was unsympathetic to his problems, showing no concern. The manager's unsympathetic reaction frustrated the employees.
aloof	When someone is emotionally distant or not involved in social situations. He remained aloof during the meeting. She has an aloof attitude which makes it hard to get to know her.
icy	Describing cold weather conditions or a person's cold and unfriendly attitude. The roads were icy and dangerous. She gave him an icy stare, showing her disapproval.

Examples of usage

She gave him a frigid glare.
His frigid demeanor made it hard to connect with him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In meteorology, frigid air masses can lead to extremely low temperatures and are often associated with winter storms.
Thermal energy decreases as temperature falls, meaning frigid temperatures can cause water to freeze quickly.
Animal behavior changes in frigid climates, as many species hibernate or migrate to survive the cold.

Psychology

People often use the term 'frigid' to describe someone who seems cold emotionally or socially, linking temperature to emotional warmth.
In social contexts, feeling frigid can indicate a lack of enthusiasm or friendliness, which can affect relationships.
Research shows that people often metaphorically associate warmth with positive emotions, making 'frigid' a powerful descriptor.

Literature

In literature, frigid settings often symbolize isolation or emotional distance between characters.
Classic novels like 'Frankenstein' use frigid environments to reflect the inner turmoil of characters.
Poetry often employs frigid imagery to evoke feelings of desolation or longing.

Pop Culture

Movies set in arctic landscapes often emphasize the frigid conditions to magnify the challenges characters face.
The term appears frequently in songs and lyrics, often symbolizing emotional detachment or heartbreak.
Frigid temperatures are a common theme in holiday stories, highlighting both the beauty and danger of winter.

Origin of 'frigid'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'frigidus,' which means cool or cold.
It was first used in English during the 15th century to describe cold air or weather.
Interestingly, the term has roots in words for 'cold' in various languages, emphasizing its universal meaning.

The word 'frigid' dates back to the mid-17th century and is derived from the Latin word 'frigidus', meaning 'cold' or 'chill'. Over the years, 'frigid' has come to be commonly used to describe both extreme cold temperatures and emotionally distant or cold behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,446, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19443 sweaty
19444 ruining
19445 exultation
19446 frigid
19447 anticipatory
19448 splicing
19449 reverent
...