Frosty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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frosty
[ˈfrɒsti ]
Definitions
weather condition
covered with or having frost; extremely cold
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| chilly |
This is used for weather that is uncomfortably cool but above freezing. It can also describe an unfriendly or reserved demeanor.
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| 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.
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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.
attitude or demeanor
unfriendly or cold in manner; lacking warmth or enthusiasm
Synonyms
aloof, cool, unwelcoming.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| frosty |
Use regarding weather or someone's demeanor when they are cold or unfriendly.
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| unwelcoming |
Describes a place or person that makes others feel unwelcome. Generally has a negative connotation.
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| aloof |
Describes a person who is emotionally distant or detached.
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| cool |
Can describe the temperature as mildly cold, or someone's behavior as calm, composed, or moderately unfriendly. Not necessarily negative.
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Examples of usage
- She gave me a frosty reception at the party.
- His frosty demeanor made it hard to approach him.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Weather Phenomena
- Frost occurs when the temperature of the air drops below freezing, causing moisture in the air to crystallize on surfaces.
- There are different types of frost, including hoarfrost (crystalline frost that looks like white feathers) and rime frost, which forms when water vapor freezes onto surfaces.
Cultural References
- Frosty the Snowman is a popular character from a song and animated movie that brings joy during winter festivities.
- In literature, frosty settings are often used to create a sense of isolation or coldness in a story, enhancing the mood.
Science
- Frost is not just about temperature; it's also related to atmospheric pressure and humidity levels, which can affect how frost forms.
- Plants can suffer damage from frost when temperature drops suddenly at night, affecting both agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Psychology
- Cold temperatures, like a frosty environment, have been found to influence moods, sometimes making people feel more introspective or even low-energy.
- The association of 'frosty' with unfriendliness or distance can be seen in social interactions, where body language and expression play a key role.
Origin of 'frosty'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'frost' comes from the Old English 'frost,' which is linked to the Proto-Germanic 'frusts' and the Proto-Indo-European root 'preus,' meaning to freeze.
- Frosty is often used to describe the state of weather and can also mean something cool or chilly in a more casual sense.
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.