downright chilling

USAGE SUMMARY

"downright chilling" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that is particularly frightening or intimidating. For example, "The dark hallways of the old house were downright chilling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In fact, it is downright chilling.

The New Yorker

SOME of the teenagers' dispatches are downright chilling.

The New York Times

The archbishop, at a news conference in Manhattan, called the citywide statistics "downright chilling".

The New York Times

And his association with François Genoud, a Swiss Nazi and financier of terrorism, is downright chilling.

The New York Times

Fox News issued a sharply worded statement on Monday calling the episode "downright chilling".

The Guardian

At a news conference last month, Timothy M. Dolan, the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York, called the city's 41 percent abortion rate "downright chilling".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Even though the polar vortex was brutally chilling, some days in January were downright balmy.

Huffington Post

Chill out music, and "chilling out" as an activity, has always been (rightly) viewed with a suspicion that borders on downright perversity.

Vice

Amazingly chilling.

Independent

Or chilling.

The New York Times

How chilling!

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downright chilling" to describe situations, events, or information that evokes a strong sense of fear, unease, or dread. It's particularly effective when the subject is unexpectedly frightening.

Common error

Avoid using "downright chilling" in overly casual or trivial situations. Its intensity can be disproportionate and diminish its impact when used inappropriately. Reserve it for scenarios that genuinely inspire fear or deep unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright chilling" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the adjective "chilling", conveying a heightened sense of fear or unease. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase. The provided examples illustrate its use in describing events, statistics, and even aspects of film.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downright chilling" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase used to amplify the sense of fear or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this expression effectively conveys a strong emotional response, aiming to disturb and create a lasting impression. While generally neutral in register, its potent nature suggests reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a description, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Consider alternatives like "absolutely terrifying" or "deeply unsettling" for nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely terrifying

This alternative uses stronger language to emphasize the intensity of fear.

utterly frightening

Similar to 'absolutely terrifying', this intensifies the feeling of fear.

genuinely terrifying

This alternative focuses on the authenticity and realness of the fear.

deeply unsettling

This emphasizes the disturbing nature of something, rather than outright fear.

profoundly disturbing

This highlights the depth and severity of the disturbance caused.

remarkably frightening

Similar to "absolutely terrifying", but less emphatic.

exceptionally scary

This suggests that something is scarier than usual.

spine-chilling

Uses a more figurative, visceral description of fear.

hair-raising

Another figurative expression emphasizing physical reaction to fear.

bone-chilling

Similar to 'spine-chilling,' but with a slightly different physical sensation.

FAQs

How can I use "downright chilling" in a sentence?

You can use "downright chilling" to describe something that evokes a strong sense of fear or unease. For example, "The details of the crime were "downright chilling"".

What are some alternatives to "downright chilling"?

Alternatives include "absolutely terrifying", "utterly frightening", or "deeply unsettling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "downright chilling" formal or informal?

"Downright chilling" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's most impactful when used to describe genuinely frightening situations.

What makes something "downright chilling" as opposed to just "chilling"?

The addition of "downright" intensifies the feeling. Something that is "downright chilling" is not just scary, but exceptionally so, leaving a strong impression of fear or unease.