Frosty: meaning, definitions and examples

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frosty

 

[ ˈfrɒsti ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

weather condition

covered with or having frost; extremely cold

Synonyms

chilly, freezing, icy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frosty

This word describes cold weather that is crisp and has frost. It can also describe a cold attitude or reception from someone.

  • The morning was crisp and frosty.
  • She gave him a frosty look.
icy

Describes conditions where there is ice, making it slippery and very cold. It is also used to describe a very cold and unfriendly attitude.

  • Be careful on the icy roads.
  • She replied with an icy tone.
chilly

This is used for weather that is uncomfortably cool but above freezing. It can also describe an unfriendly or reserved demeanor.

  • It's getting chilly outside, better wear a jacket.
  • She received a chilly reception from the group.
freezing

This is used when the temperature is very cold, usually at or below 0°C or 32°F. It can also describe extreme coldness in a figurative sense.

  • It's absolutely freezing outside!
  • The water in the pool was freezing.

Examples of usage

  • The car windows were frosty this morning.
  • I could see my breath in the frosty air.
  • The ground was frosty and slippery.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude or demeanor

unfriendly or cold in manner; lacking warmth or enthusiasm

Synonyms

aloof, cool, unwelcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frosty

Use regarding weather or someone's demeanor when they are cold or unfriendly.

  • The frosty morning made us shiver.
  • Her frosty response indicated her displeasure.
unwelcoming

Describes a place or person that makes others feel unwelcome. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • The unwelcoming atmosphere of the office made it hard to work.
  • His unwelcoming attitude was evident from the start.
aloof

Describes a person who is emotionally distant or detached.

  • He stayed aloof from the group, not participating in the conversation.
  • She seemed aloof, not showing much interest in the event.
cool

Can describe the temperature as mildly cold, or someone's behavior as calm, composed, or moderately unfriendly. Not necessarily negative.

  • The air was cool and refreshing.
  • He remained cool under pressure.
  • Her cool demeanor made him feel unwelcome.

Examples of usage

  • She gave me a frosty reception at the party.
  • His frosty demeanor made it hard to approach him.

Translations

Translations of the word "frosty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gelado

🇮🇳 ठंडा

🇩🇪 frostig

🇮🇩 dingin

🇺🇦 морозний

🇵🇱 mroźny

🇯🇵 霜の降りた

🇫🇷 givre

🇪🇸 helado

🇹🇷 donmuş

🇰🇷 서리가 내린

🇸🇦 صقيعي

🇨🇿 mrazivý

🇸🇰 mrazivý

🇨🇳 霜冻的

🇸🇮 zmrzljiv

🇮🇸 frostlegur

🇰🇿 аязды

🇬🇪 ყინვიანი

🇦🇿 şaxtalı

🇲🇽 helado

Etymology

The word 'frosty' originated from Middle English 'frosti', which is derived from Old English 'forstig'. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe cold weather conditions and unfriendly attitudes. Over time, 'frosty' has become a common adjective in English to convey the idea of extreme cold or a lack of warmth in behavior.

See also: defrost, frost, frostiness, frosting, hoarfrost.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,945, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.