a degree cooler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree cooler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing temperatures or describing a slight difference in coolness, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the storm passed, the air felt a degree cooler, making it more comfortable to be outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Whereas the CMB normally gives the universe a temperature of about 3° above absolute zero, a hot, gaseous galaxy cluster would turn up as a region of sky about a thousandth of a degree cooler, because of the microwaves that have been diverted away from it, a phenomenon known as the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE).

The Economist

This is a substantially smaller range than on the mainland: the summer temperature is typically a degree cooler, while winter temperatures are a good deal warmer.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Each degree cooler a house is kept in a heating season (winter), or warmer in a cooling season (summer), translates to a 5 percent energy saving.

The New York Times - Tech

At just one degree cooler, though, it becomes a white, waxy solid – the familiar eye gunk.

BBC

"So without humans it would have been roughly a degree Celsius cooler in that region," King said.

Vice

But while the islands in the Galápagos at least share the same equatorial climate, in this sky island archipelago, every thousand feet up that you climb takes you into a climate that's more like one some 500 miles north -- a few degrees cooler and with a few inches more precipitation.

The New York Times - Travel

Thousands filled the makeshift plaza beside a construction site sprouting cranes and American flags on a crystal-clear morning a few degrees cooler than the one nine years ago.

The New York Times

It was a few degrees cooler inside the labyrinth, which imparted a sense of magic, though in truth it was only that I was shaded from the low sun by the corn.

The New Yorker

And, of Natalie Wood in the presence of Sinatra: "It was as if someone had gently turned up the setting on an icebox, her eyes sparkling a wee bit harder as she turned a few degrees cooler".

The New York Times - Books

Groombridge 1830 (left inset), a main-sequence star like the sun, lies just 30 light-years from Earth; the new observations reveal that it has a diameter two-thirds that of the sun and a surface temperature of 4820 K, nearly a thousand degrees cooler.

Science Magazine

On a visit in April the temperature was only a few degrees cooler than the ground and not windy on the lee side.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing temperature differences, use "a degree cooler" to clearly and concisely indicate a small decrease in temperature, especially when comparing conditions or settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree cooler" when you want to convey a substantial temperature difference. This phrase implies a minor change, so use more descriptive language when describing significant temperature drops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree cooler" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically implying a quantifiable temperature difference. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing observable effects of slight temperature variations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a degree cooler" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to express a slight difference in temperature. According to Ludwig, it is used to provide a precise comparison, mainly in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki contexts. When using the expression, it's important to ensure it's suited for expressing minor changes, as it can otherwise cause confusion. Alternative expressions, such as ""slightly colder"" or ""a touch chillier"", may be used for less formal or precise contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly colder

Replaces "degree cooler" with a more general term for coldness.

A touch chillier

Uses "touch" and "chillier" to imply a small decrease in temperature.

Somewhat colder

Substitutes "degree" with "somewhat" for a less precise measure of temperature difference.

A bit frosty

Employs "frosty" to suggest a slight presence of cold.

Minutely colder

Uses the term "minutely" to indicate a minimal drop in temperature.

Marginally cooler

Uses "marginally" for a subtle difference in temperature.

Barely colder

Emphasizes that the difference in temperature is hardly noticeable.

A hint of coolness

Replaces the temperature-specific term with a more general sensation of coolness.

Perceptibly cooler

Indicates that the temperature difference can be sensed or noticed.

A fraction colder

Emphasizes the minimal amount of temperature difference

FAQs

How can I use "a degree cooler" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree cooler" to describe a slight difference in temperature, for example, "The room was "a degree cooler" after I opened the window".

What are some alternatives to "a degree cooler"?

Alternatives include "slightly colder", "a touch chillier", or "somewhat colder" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a degree cooler" in formal writing?

Yes, "a degree cooler" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to express a precise temperature difference. However, consider your audience and the overall tone to ensure it fits seamlessly.

What is the difference between "a degree cooler" and "slightly cooler"?

"A degree cooler" refers to a specific unit of temperature, while "slightly cooler" is a more general and less precise way to describe a small temperature difference. The former is more specific and quantifiable.