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Frostily: meaning, definitions and examples

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frostily

 

[ ˈfrɔːstɪli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of behavior

Frostily is an adverb that describes a manner of behavior characterized by coldness, unfriendliness, or indifference. When someone acts frostily, they display a lack of warmth or enthusiasm, often conveying disdain or disinterest. This term often suggests a certain emotional distance, as if the person is physically or emotionally chilled toward those around them. It is frequently used in literary contexts to depict unapproachable or reserved characters.

Synonyms

aloofly, coldly, icy, unfriendly

Examples of usage

  • She greeted him frostily.
  • His frostily delivered comments made everyone uncomfortable.
  • He responded frostily to her invitation.

Translations

Translations of the word "frostily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gelidamente

🇮🇳 बर्फ़ीला

🇩🇪 frostig

🇮🇩 dingin

🇺🇦 мерзло

🇵🇱 mroźno

🇯🇵 霜が降りて

🇫🇷 glaçialement

🇪🇸 heladamente

🇹🇷 donmuş bir şekilde

🇰🇷 서리 내리듯

🇸🇦 بشكل صقيعي

🇨🇿 mrazivě

🇸🇰 mrazivo

🇨🇳 冷冷地

🇸🇮 zmrznjeno

🇮🇸 frostlega

🇰🇿 мұздай

🇬🇪 ყინულის მსგავსად

🇦🇿 şaxtalı

🇲🇽 heladamente

Etymology

The word 'frostily' is derived from the adjective 'frosty,' which can be traced back to Old English 'forst,' meaning frost or ice, and has Indo-European roots. The transformation from the noun 'frost' to the adjective 'frosty' and then to its adverbial form 'frostily' illustrates the evolution of language where qualities are described in more nuanced ways. The adverbial suffix '-ly' signifies the manner of how an action is performed. 'Frostily' entered common usage to offer a vivid description of behaviors, particularly in literary works, where emotional expressions are key to character development. Literature and drama often utilize this term to convey tension or the chilly reception of social interactions, allowing the reader or audience to visualize the interpersonal dynamics at play.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,412, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.