utterly cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely cold, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Example: "The wind was so strong and utterly cold that it cut through my jacket like a knife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But everything's utterly cold and stripped back.

The New Yorker

We get into their heads, but will not be allowed to feel with them; not Alison, with her immersion in the spirit world, nor Colette, with her utterly cold perceptiveness.

The Guardian - Books

Combining a sisterly supportiveness behind the scenes with the utterly cold steel of rivalry in court, Warwick is already shaping up to be a fascinating addition to the cast.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For instance, the great Immanuel Kant, whom I admire enormously as an epistemologist, leaves me utterly cold when it comes to ethics.

Huffington Post

This is not just economic; it is existential – to be a member of the "precariat" is to know that it is a matter of utter indifference whether you live or die – to know that the universe is, for people like you, utterly cold, incapable of listening to your demands.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The movie is not exactly a mashup of genres but a grafting of a current style — in effect, the Hollywood martial-arts movie — onto an utterly overfamiliar Cold War spy story.

The New Yorker

The most "liked" comment on the article called her "an utterly miserable, cold-hearted, and selfish woman".

Vice

It was hostile, cold, utterly institutionalised, soulless.

The Guardian

Which, to some extent, it is... Having recorded a couple of inspiring but utterly overlooked albums (Cold Fact and Coming from Reality), Detroit-based Rodriguez bizarrely became a cult figure among disaffected Afrikaner youth in the mid-70s, enjoying a popularity on a par with Elvis Presley or Simon and Garfunkel.

The Guardian - Film

The water was cold and utterly clear.

The New York Times

The water of the lake was cool rather than cold – and utterly refreshing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "utterly cold" to intensify the feeling of coldness, whether literal or figurative. It adds emphasis beyond simply saying something is "cold".

Common error

Avoid using "utterly cold" when a more nuanced adjective is required. If the intent is to convey a slight chill or a lack of enthusiasm rather than extreme coldness, consider alternatives like "slightly cool" or "somewhat indifferent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly cold" functions primarily as a modifier, intensifying the adjective "cold". It serves to emphasize the extreme degree of coldness, either in a literal or figurative sense. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly cold" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, functioning as an intensifier to the adjective "cold". According to Ludwig, it conveys a strong sense of either literal or figurative coldness, emphasizing a lack of warmth or emotion. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. While not overly common, its consistent usage across reputable sources suggests its appropriateness in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely frigid

Replaces "cold" with a stronger synonym, emphasizing extreme coldness.

totally icy

Uses "icy" to convey a sense of coldness, potentially suggesting a lack of emotion.

absolutely freezing

Emphasizes the extreme temperature using "freezing".

entirely indifferent

Shifts the meaning to emotional coldness or lack of concern.

stone cold

This phrase emphasizes a lack of warmth or emotion.

bitterly cold

Focuses on the unpleasant and harsh aspect of the cold.

ice cold

Highlights the extreme lack of warmth.

deeply chilling

Conveys a sense of coldness that penetrates or affects deeply.

unfeeling

Indicates a complete lack of empathy or warmth.

emotionally detached

Focuses specifically on the absence of emotional warmth or connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly cold" to describe something with extreme literal coldness, such as "The room was utterly cold because the heater was broken.", or to describe emotional detachment, such as "His eyes were utterly cold, showing no sign of empathy."

What are some alternatives to "utterly cold"?

Some alternatives include "completely frigid", "totally icy", "absolutely freezing", or "entirely indifferent", depending on the context.

Is "utterly cold" more formal or informal?

"Utterly cold" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for both news reporting and casual conversation, though its impact might be more pronounced in formal writing due to its emphatic nature.

Can "utterly cold" be used to describe a person's personality?

Yes, "utterly cold" can describe a person's personality, implying a severe lack of warmth, empathy, or emotion. For example, "The villain was portrayed as an utterly cold and calculating individual."