icy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very cold, often in a literal sense, or to convey a sense of emotional coldness or unfriendliness. Example: "The icy wind cut through my jacket, making me shiver as I walked outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The small streets, a lot of them are icy," said Abdi, 52.

The Guardian

After the Eiger and the glaciers of Grindelwald – colossal icy tongues that licked the village in the 1860s, but have retreated back into the mountains today – she returned to Interlaken to board the steamer across Lake Brienz to Giessbach Falls.

The Guardian - Travel

Elsewhere in Minnesota, the state patrol said at least two people were killed in accidents on icy roads, and troopers handled 475 crashes and more than 700 spinouts statewide by Monday evening.

The Guardian

It was too similar to several other small icy bodies in the solar system and could not be classified a full planet.

The Guardian

Our evening would be full of awkward pauses and icy silences, and we'd be overwhelmed by a sense of helpless resignation about the long and dismal life we'd now be forced to spend together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Texas earlier, icy and treacherous sections of Interstate 35 north of Dallas were closed for hours at a time after tractor-trailers had trouble climbing hills, crashes occurred and vehicles stalled, authorities said.

The Guardian

As if this Russian roulette existence isn't enough, understudies also have to endure icy resentment when they finally step on stage, from audiences angry at being short-changed.

The Guardian

Fernández has an icy relationship with Bergoglio – who is seen as a conservative – and has studiously avoided him over the last years, moving out of the city every 25 May when Bergoglio gave his annual mass at Buenos Aires Cathedral.

The Guardian

By leading drilling operations in the icy Kara Sea, Exxon have taken the first steps towards opening up Russia's Arctic waters as a major new oil and gas frontier.

The Guardian

Because that is what charity is about, not putting yourself through mild discomfort with a bucket of icy water".

The Guardian

"You should stop enticing away the Bolshoi's dancers," Putin said with an icy smile.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use "icy" to convey a sense of danger due to slippery surfaces, such as "icy roads" or "icy sidewalks".

Common error

Avoid using "icy" to describe moderately cold temperatures; reserve it for situations involving actual ice formation or extremely low temperatures. For less severe cold, use words like "chilly" or "cool".

Linguistic Context

The word "icy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something pertaining to, resembling, or abounding in ice. It can also describe something characterized by coldness, either literally or figuratively, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "icy" is widely used to describe conditions involving ice or extreme cold, as well as to depict emotionally cold or distant interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts. Common usage includes describing weather conditions or emotional states, while misuse typically involves applying it to moderately cold situations. Related terms include "freezing", "frigid", and "frosty", offering nuanced alternatives. With a high source quality score and expert rating, "icy" stands as a versatile descriptor in both literal and figurative senses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Frigid

Implies intense coldness, both literally and figuratively, relating to emotion or climate.

Freezing

Focuses on the state of being at or below the freezing point, emphasizing temperature.

Frosty

Suggests a surface covered with frost or a cold, unfriendly demeanor.

Chilling

Emphasizes the sensation of coldness or fear, evoking a sense of unease.

Glacial

Conveys extreme slowness or coldness, often referring to pace or emotion.

Gelid

Highlights the extreme coldness, often used in a more formal or literary context.

Wintry

Relates to the characteristics of winter, implying coldness and harshness.

Arctic

Refers specifically to the extreme cold associated with polar regions.

Polar

Indicates a connection to the North or South Pole, signifying extreme coldness.

Cold

A general term for low temperature, lacking the intensity of "icy".

FAQs

How can I use "icy" in a sentence?

You can use "icy" to describe something covered in ice, like "The road was icy this morning", or to describe a cold demeanor, such as "She gave me an icy stare".

What is a good substitute for "icy" in a weather context?

Alternatives include "freezing", "frosty", or "slippery depending" on what aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "icy" to describe a person's behavior?

Use "icy" to describe behavior when someone is being emotionally cold, distant, or unfriendly. For example, "His icy tone made it clear he was angry".

What's the difference between "icy" and "cold"?

"Icy" implies the presence of ice or a particularly intense coldness, while "cold" is a more general term for low temperature. "Icy" can also refer to an emotionally frigid demeanor, whereas "cold" is less commonly used in this way.