rather cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temperature that is somewhat low or to express a degree of coldness that is noticeable but not extreme. Example: "The weather today is rather cold, so make sure to wear a warm jacket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She added, "It's also rather cold".

The New Yorker

And it was a rather cold production".

The New York Times - Arts

It was still rather cold in the room.

The New Yorker

On the whole, she says, she has always found filming rather cold compared with theatre.

The Guardian

People used to believe in things.' She's an odd one, this rather cold, rather clever woman.

The Guardian

This gave him a rather cold mien but that was scientific rather than Etonian.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It hasn't got the absolute refinement, the pure white, floating elegance of that rather cold masterpiece".

The New Yorker

"It was winter snow up top, rather cold," said Jean-François Jond, the men's World Cup team manager for Rossignol.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He seems to have had a low sex drive, and married rather cold-bloodedly, aged 33, for social and dynastic reasons, just after being appointed to Asquith's cabinet.

The Guardian - Books

Chloe, for example, would rather cold-call every single one of our clients and attempt to sell them some wholly inappropriate service than sort out her expenses.

The Guardian - Money

It's not just us that have to endure the current freezing temperatures, as demonstrated by this rather cold-looking kingfisher, photographed by Barry Forbes at Kinghorn Loch in Fife, Scotland.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing temperature, consider the context and audience. "Rather cold" is suitable for general use, but more specific terms might be necessary for scientific or technical writing. If your aim is to write for a lay audience be aware that other words can be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "rather" excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone sound overly formal or hesitant. Vary your vocabulary to include other adverbs of degree, such as "quite", "somewhat", or "fairly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather cold" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its degree of coldness. It consists of the adverb "rather" which intensifies the adjective "cold". Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather cold" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a moderate degree of coldness. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from news articles to personal descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples illustrating its usage. While alternatives exist, "rather cold" offers a nuanced way to express a level of coldness that is noticeable but not extreme. It is important to consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "rather cold" and its alternatives. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase a wide array of applications, reinforcing its widespread acceptability and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat cold

Indicates a slightly lesser degree of coldness than "rather cold".

chilly

Implies a noticeable but not extreme level of coldness.

fairly cold

Similar in intensity to "rather cold", but with a slightly more neutral tone.

slightly chilly

Emphasizes a mild coldness, often in a more pleasant or delicate way.

moderately cold

Highlights a middle ground in terms of coldness intensity.

a bit nippy

An informal way to describe a coldness that is brisk and invigorating.

coolish

A more casual way of saying something is slightly cold.

somewhat icy

Suggests a resemblance to ice, whether literal or figurative.

slightly frigid

Conveys a sense of extreme coldness, but in a lessened degree compared to "frigid" alone.

unwarm

Emphasizes the lack of warmth rather than the presence of cold.

FAQs

How can I use "rather cold" in a sentence?

You can use "rather cold" to describe temperature or a person's demeanor. For example, "The room was rather cold, so I turned up the thermostat," or "She gave me a rather cold look when I asked about the project." The meaning changes based on context.

What are some alternatives to "rather cold"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat cold", "slightly chilly", or "fairly cold". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rather cold" formal or informal?

"Rather cold" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's appropriate for both casual conversation and more formal writing. However, alternatives like "a bit nippy" are more informal, while "moderately cold" might be perceived as more formal.

Which is correct, "rather cold" or "pretty cold"?

Both "rather cold" and "pretty cold" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Rather cold" is generally considered more formal and reserved, while "pretty cold" is more informal and common in everyday speech. In terms of intensity, "pretty cold" can sometimes suggest a slightly stronger degree of coldness than "rather cold".