ice-cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ice-cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the term to refer to something, typically a beverage, that is cold as if it has been stored in ice. For example, "He reached for the ice-cold glass of water and took a long sip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Ice-cold beer.

The New Yorker

ICE-COLD lemonade!

The New York Times

Almost ice-cold.

The Guardian - Sport

Serve with ice-cold beer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Drain and plunge into ice-cold water.

Independent

And the food is ice-cold".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Warm or ice cold?

The New York Times - Food

He was ice cold.

The Guardian

"Her hands were ice cold.

The New York Times

The market was ice cold.

The New York Times

This man is ice cold.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ice-cold" to vividly describe the temperature of beverages or objects, enhancing the sensory experience for the reader. For example, "an ice-cold beer" paints a clearer picture than simply "a cold beer".

Common error

Avoid using "ice-cold" excessively to describe people's personalities. While it can effectively convey a lack of emotion, overuse can sound cliché. Opt for more nuanced descriptions like 'unfeeling' or 'detached' for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ice-cold" primarily functions as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate an extremely low temperature or, metaphorically, a lack of emotion. Ludwig provides examples showcasing both literal and figurative usage of the term.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ice-cold" is a compound adjective that describes something as being extremely cold or, metaphorically, lacking in emotion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its versatility across different registers. To enhance writing, use "ice-cold" to add vivid detail, but avoid overusing it metaphorically. For similar terms, consider "freezing" or "stone-cold" based on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stone-cold

Can emphasize the lack of emotion; implies a complete absence of warmth or feeling.

icy

Similar to "ice-cold", but more general, suggesting a surface covered in ice.

freezing

Emphasizes the extreme coldness, but lacks the intensity suggested by "ice-cold".

frigid

Indicates a very cold temperature, often used in a more formal or scientific context.

bitterly cold

Highlights the unpleasant and harsh nature of the cold.

glacial

Suggests a slow, relentless coldness, often used metaphorically for emotions.

frosty

Similar to icy, suggesting a light covering of frost or a cold demeanor.

arctic

Relates to the extreme cold found in polar regions, less versatile than "ice-cold".

cold-blooded

Implies a ruthless and calculating nature, more negative than "ice-cold" in its emotional context.

unfeeling

Focuses solely on the emotional aspect, lacking the physical coldness element.

FAQs

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

You can use "ice-cold" to describe something that is extremely cold, such as "He drank an "ice-cold lemonade" on a hot day" or to describe someone's emotionless demeanor, such as "She gave him an "ice-cold stare"".

What are some synonyms for "ice-cold"?

Synonyms for "ice-cold" include "freezing", "icy", "frigid", or "stone-cold", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "ice cold" instead of "ice-cold"?

While "ice cold" is understandable, "ice-cold" is generally preferred, especially in formal writing, as it functions as a single adjective modifying a noun.

When should I use "ice-cold" literally versus metaphorically?

Use "ice-cold" literally when referring to the temperature of something. Use it metaphorically to describe a lack of emotion or empathy, but be mindful of overuse, as alternatives like "unfeeling" or "detached" may offer more nuance.