chilling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chilling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of relaxation or to indicate that something is happening in a calm or leisurely manner. Example: "After a long week at work, I spent the weekend chilling at home with a good book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I guess that's how you'd spend a week - chilling out on the boat and then speeding off to splash around on beaches and wander around town.

The Guardian - Travel

[phone], villas.spain-select.com Good for Clubbing – and chilling Sleeps 4 Cost from €2,300 a week There are many ultra-smart houses on the White Isle, but few can beat this for location, just down a path from Cala Jondal.

The Guardian - Travel

Given the allegations about what he was up to backstage, it is chilling to watch old Top of the Pops clips in which Savile hugs young girls too close.

The Guardian - Opinion

But we can all recognise the uncanny quality of his dream: that chilling, portentous atmosphere.

The Guardian - Opinion

The home secretary, Theresa May, also promised to increase the government's efforts to tackle the terrorist threat and a "chilling" rise in anti-semitism.

The Guardian

AM Homes' short story Do You Hear What I Hear?, a chilling tale of an unwelcome phone call, was transformed into a stunning comic by Frazer Irving (Batman), and Dave Eggers wrote and drew his own comic, a tale of a lonely but impassioned bison, called Having Renewed My Fire.

The Guardian - Books

Robin Gardner West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire Your editorial concludes with a chilling phrase: "... that urge to understand which seems uniquely human should triumph over sentimentality and fear".

The Guardian

The range of breads is amazing and it's great for just chilling out.

The Guardian - Travel

This kind of governmental response is chilling because a particularly insidious threat to our right to free expression is self-censorship.

The Guardian

Vets are responsible for monitoring the operation, including cutting of the chickens into portions, packing and chilling.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Skirrid Mountain Inn dates back to the Norman Conquest, and its bloody past has given rise to some spine-chilling occurrences.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chilling" to effectively convey a sense of fear, coldness, or calmness depending on the intended context. Ensure that the surrounding words clearly indicate which meaning is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "chilling" to describe something that is simply 'interesting' or 'noteworthy' in formal or academic writing. Its strong connotations of fear or coldness may be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chilling" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that induces fear, coldness, or, in some contexts, relaxation. Ludwig AI confirms the diverse applicability of the term through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

10%

Film

8%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Books

4%

Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chilling" is a versatile term functioning primarily as an adjective, capable of evoking feelings of fear, coldness, or relaxation. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is grammatically sound and widespread, especially in News & Media. While the phrase can be used in neutral contexts to convey suspense or describe physical sensations, it also finds application in informal settings to indicate unwinding. When writing, ensure to use "chilling" in ways that clearly align with the intended context, avoiding misuse in formal contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "terrifying" or "relaxing" to better suit specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening

Similar to terrifying, but generally implies a lesser degree of fear or alarm.

terrifying

Emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect, making it suitable when the primary intention is to convey a sense of dread.

alarming

Suggests a sudden awareness of danger or a cause for concern.

spine-tingling

Specifically refers to a sensation of excitement or fear that causes goosebumps.

blood-curdling

Conveys extreme horror, often associated with graphic or violent scenarios.

frosty

Suggests a cold and unfriendly atmosphere or demeanor.

icy

Similar to frosty, but can also refer to a literal icy surface or condition.

cooling

Refers to the physical act of becoming colder, suitable in contexts related to temperature.

relaxing

Focuses on calmness and unwinding, a completely opposite meaning but contextually valid in some usages of "chilling".

unwinding

Similar to relaxing, emphasizing the release of tension and stress.

FAQs

How can "chilling" be used in a sentence?

"Chilling" can describe something frightening, like "a chilling ghost story", or something becoming cold. It can also mean relaxing, like "chilling at home".

What words can I use instead of "chilling" when describing fear?

Alternatives include "terrifying", "frightening", or "alarming" depending on the intensity of the fear.

Is it correct to use "chilling" to describe a relaxing activity?

Yes, "chilling out" is an informal expression meaning to relax or unwind. However, this usage is distinct from its other meaning, which refers to something causing fear or coldness.

What's the difference between "chilling" and "chilly"?

"Chilling" often implies a more intense or figurative coldness or fear, while "chilly" typically refers to a mild and literal sensation of cold.