Frosty: meaning, definitions and examples

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frosty

 

[ˈfrɒsti ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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

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.