cold-blooded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cold-blooded" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used to describe someone who is seen as unfeeling or indifferent, or to describe an animal that is ectothermic, relying on external sources of heat to regulate its body temperature. Example sentence: In the boardroom negotiations, he remained cold-blooded and unmoved by his opponents' pleas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Cold-blooded mur-dah!

The New Yorker

It's cold-blooded realpolitik.

The New York Times

Cold-blooded, and probably correct.

The New York Times

Both are cold-blooded.

The New York Times

"He is cold-blooded.

The New York Times

"Not cold-blooded killers.

The New York Times

Cold-blooded killings.

The New York Times

Who said vampires were cold-blooded?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

COLD BLOODED, by Lisa Jackson.

The New York Times

It is horribly cold blooded and cruel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

11 1 COLD BLOODED, by Lisa Jackson.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, "cold-blooded" is often replaced by the more precise term "ectothermic" to avoid negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "cold-blooded" when you simply mean someone is calm or composed under pressure. "Cold-blooded" implies a lack of empathy or ruthlessness, not just composure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold-blooded" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality or characteristic. Ludwig showcases its use in describing both animal physiology and human behavior, typically denoting a lack of emotion or ruthlessness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold-blooded" is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe a lack of empathy or ruthlessness in humans or to classify animals that regulate body temperature externally. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While seemingly straightforward, misuse can lead to misinterpretations or melodramatic writing. Understanding its dual meaning and the negative connotation is key to employing it effectively. Remember, while Ludwig confirms its validity, context is crucial for accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unemotional

Emphasizes the lack of emotion or feeling.

unfeeling

Similar to unemotional, but with a stronger connotation of indifference.

callous

Highlights the insensitivity and disregard for others' feelings.

heartless

Focuses on the absence of compassion or empathy.

without remorse

Signifies the lack of regret or guilt.

ruthless

Implies a determination to achieve goals without concern for the consequences.

calculating

Highlights the planning and scheming nature of an action

detached

Describes a state of being aloof and uninvolved.

clinical

Suggests a detached, analytical perspective, often lacking empathy.

ectothermic

Scientifically accurate term relating to the regulation of body temperature

FAQs

How can I use "cold-blooded" in a sentence?

You can use "cold-blooded" to describe a lack of feeling or mercy, as in "The crime was a "cold-blooded murder"". It can also refer to animals that regulate their body temperature externally.

What does it mean to describe someone as "cold-blooded"?

Calling someone "cold-blooded" suggests they are ruthless, unemotional, and capable of cruel actions. It implies a lack of empathy or remorse.

Is "cold-blooded" the same as "calm" or "collected"?

No, while a "cold-blooded" person might appear calm, the term implies a deeper lack of feeling and a willingness to act ruthlessly. Being calm is about composure, while being "cold-blooded" is about a lack of empathy.

Are there scientific uses of the term "cold-blooded"?

Yes, in biology, "cold-blooded" (more accurately termed ectothermic) refers to animals that regulate their body temperature through external means, such as reptiles and amphibians.