a cold response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cold response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reply that is emotionally distant, unfriendly, or lacking warmth. Example: "After my heartfelt apology, I was met with a cold response that left me feeling even more regretful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

She met a cold response.

The New York Times

He got a cold response until he met face to face with the men he had fought against.

The New York Times

Mr. Trump also drew a cold response from traditionally Republican-leaning interests for his heated attacks on international trade agreements.

The New York Times

The Yanomami leaders said they made the list public after showing it to health and military officials and receiving a cold response.

The New York Times

When she expresses a desire to find a place closer to Fife (and gain a neighbor or two), Thomas gives her a cold response.

The New York Times - Books

While a cold response to his more assertive foreign policy is predictable — Tokyo since World War II has consistently deferred to its U.S. protector — it is sorely misguided.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A set of F2 3 populations including 200 individuals and lines derived from a cross between the indica and japonica varieties 'Milyang 23' x 'Jileng 1' was used to locate QTL for low-temperature vigor of germination (LVG) and to develop a cold-response index for vigor of germination (CIVG).

Rice

By applying PRIISM on a cold-response dataset, we systematically evaluated our method using maximum fold change and PCA analyses.

BMC Systems Biology

As a possible mechanism, a faster cold response with vasoconstriction and decreased tissue perfusion was suggested, which might have resulted in a worse outcome [48].

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Given our result that the overexpression of LOV1 caused a decrease in CO transcript level, it is expected that LOV1 overexpressor plants and a loss-of-function allele of CO exhibit a similar cold response (Figure 6).

Plosone

The authors postulated that rapid changes in core temperature might trigger a faster cold response with potentially detrimental vasoconstriction and decreased tissue perfusion.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cold response" when you want to convey that someone's reaction lacked warmth, empathy, or enthusiasm. It's suitable for describing interpersonal dynamics or reactions to proposals, ideas, or requests.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the word "cold" when describing emotions, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "distant", "unfeeling", or "indifferent" to add nuance and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cold response" functions as a noun phrase describing the nature of a reaction. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to denote a reply or reaction lacking warmth or enthusiasm. This is supported by various examples where it illustrates the manner in which someone or something was received.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cold response" is a noun phrase used to describe a reaction lacking warmth or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and readily used in English writing. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase effectively communicates disappointment or disapproval. Consider varying your language by using synonyms like "an unenthusiastic reaction" or "a frosty reception" to prevent monotony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unenthusiastic reaction

This alternative replaces "cold" with "unenthusiastic", highlighting the lack of excitement or interest.

a frosty reception

This phrase uses "frosty" to convey a sense of coldness and unwelcomingness.

a lukewarm reaction

This option uses "lukewarm" to indicate a lack of strong positive feeling.

an indifferent reply

This phrase emphasizes the lack of concern or interest in the response.

a detached answer

This alternative highlights the emotional distance in the reply.

a dismissive reaction

This phrase suggests the response was intended to brush off or disregard something.

a hostile reaction

This implies a more aggressive and unfriendly response.

a negative response

This option provides a more general term for an unfavorable reaction.

a muted reaction

This suggests a response that is subdued or restrained.

a passive reaction

This denotes a lack of active engagement or enthusiasm in the response.

FAQs

How can I use "a cold response" in a sentence?

You can use "a cold response" to describe a lack of enthusiasm or warmth in someone's reaction. For example: "She expected sympathy, but received "a cold response" instead."

What can I say instead of "a cold response"?

Alternatives to "a cold response" include "an unenthusiastic reaction", "a frosty reception", or "an indifferent reply", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a cold response" and "a hostile response"?

"A cold response" implies a lack of warmth or empathy, whereas "a hostile response" suggests open antagonism or aggression. The former is passive, the latter is active.

Is "a cold response" appropriate in formal writing?

Yes, "a cold response" is appropriate in formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a lack of enthusiasm or warmth. While suitable, consider stronger alternatives like "an unenthusiastic reaction" to better fit a formal tone.