coolly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coolly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone acting in a calm, composed, or unfazed manner, often in a situation that might provoke a strong emotional response. Example: "She responded coolly to the criticism, maintaining her poise despite the harsh words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Easyjet (easyjet.com) flies from Luton and Gatwick to Istanbul 4. MARRAKECH There is something hugely romantic about disappearing through an unmarked door in the medina into a coolly elegant hotel or ornately tiled cafe.

The Guardian - Travel

Asked about his relations with his brother he answered coolly.

The Guardian

Walter pulled the strings to formidable effect; no fewer than four of the Germans' half dozen goals came from set pieces, and he coolly scored twice from the penalty spot.

The Guardian

"I used to think you were only as good as your last job," he told me coolly.

The Guardian

Then he wisely attached himself to the slumping Fast/Furious franchise, a move that paid off earlier this year when the latest instalment coolly pounded a billion bucks out of the global box office.

The Guardian - Film

He said coolly: "I like to keep my cards close to my chest".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Merkel, who grew up in the Communist east reacted coolly to Obama's lengthy defence, saying that it was a reflection of German concerns that she and Obama had discussed the issue "at length and in great depth".

The Guardian

19 rue Lucien Sampaix, 10th, holybe.ly.com Open Thurs-Mon 9am-6pm (Sandand Sun from 10am) Bavarian-born former fashion PR Claus Estermann decided to share his countrymen's love of a hearty frühstück when he opened this coolly chic boutique-cum-breakfast cafe in a side street near Les Halles.

The Guardian - Travel

The midfielder coolly clipped it out to the excellent Redmond, who lashed a low shot into the net from 15 yards.

The Guardian - Sport

Miller picked himself up off the turf to take the resultant spot-kick and coolly sent Krysiak the wrong way.

The Guardian - Sport

Puskas scored two of the goals, one coming when he coolly pulled the ball back with the sole of his boot so that, in the words of Geoffrey Green in The Times, the English captain Billy Wright rushed past him "like a fire-engine going to the wrong fire".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coolly" to convey a sense of detached composure in situations that typically evoke emotional responses. It's effective for describing reactions that are strategically calm, rather than simply unemotional.

Common error

Avoid using "coolly" when you simply mean 'without enthusiasm' or 'with mild interest'. "Coolly" implies a deliberate restraint of emotion, not just a lack of excitement. If no emotion is being actively suppressed, consider alternatives like "mildly", "reservedly", or "quietly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "coolly" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It suggests a state of composure, calmness, or a deliberate lack of emotional display, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "coolly" is a versatile term used to describe actions performed with composure and a deliberate lack of emotional expression. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, it serves to modify verbs, emphasizing the manner in which an action is carried out. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When choosing to use "coolly", make sure to convey a sense of detached composure, rather than a lack of enthusiasm. Some alternatives include "calmly", "composedly", and "nonchalantly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calmly

Indicates a state of peace and tranquility, closely synonymous with "coolly" but slightly broader in application.

composedly

Emphasizes maintaining a deliberate sense of self-control and composure, especially in stressful situations.

nonchalantly

Suggests an air of casual indifference or lack of concern, which can overlap with "coolly" in certain scenarios.

imperturbably

Implies being unshakably calm and collected, often in the face of adversity or provocation.

collectedly

Focuses on maintaining a gathered and organized state of mind, enabling rational action.

unflappably

Highlights the ability to remain calm and unfazed, even in chaotic or unexpected situations.

with composure

Expresses the act of maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, focusing on the act itself rather than a character trait.

in a level-headed manner

Emphasizes the rationality and clear-thinking involved in remaining calm and composed.

without agitation

Directly negates the presence of emotional excitement or disturbance, highlighting the absence of distress.

with equanimity

Suggests a balanced and even-tempered approach, particularly when dealing with difficulties or setbacks.

FAQs

How can I use "coolly" in a sentence?

The adverb "coolly" is used to describe someone acting in a calm, composed, or unfazed manner, often in a situation that might provoke a strong emotional response. For example: "She responded "coolly" to the criticism, maintaining her poise despite the harsh words".

What are some synonyms for "coolly"?

Synonyms for "coolly" include "calmly", "composedly", and "nonchalantly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "coolly" to describe an object's temperature?

"Coolly" is primarily used to describe a manner of behavior or action, not the temperature of an object. To describe temperature, use "cool" or "coolish".

When is it inappropriate to use "coolly"?

It is inappropriate to use "coolly" when describing an action that is simply done without enthusiasm, rather than with deliberate restraint of emotion. In these cases, alternatives like "mildly" or "quietly" may be more suitable.