Cold vs. Cool: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Cold refers to low temperatures, often uncomfortably so, while cool describes moderately low temperatures, typically pleasant or refreshing.
Key Differences
Cold is used to describe a lower range of temperatures, often associated with a sense of discomfort or the need for warmth. Cool, in contrast, denotes temperatures that are lower than warm but not as low as cold, often perceived as refreshing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
The term cold is often associated with winter and environments where additional warmth is necessary. Cool, however, is more associated with spring or fall, where the temperature is moderate and more comfortable.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
In subjective human perception, cold can imply a temperature that requires protective clothing or heating. On the other hand, cool is often used to describe a preferable and more comfortable temperature, especially after high heat.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
In terms of physical sensations, cold is often associated with shivering and the need to conserve heat. Cool, however, is associated with a pleasant reduction of warmth, without the extreme of coldness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
When speaking metaphorically, cold can imply a lack of emotion or warmth in behavior, while cool can refer to a calm, composed, or even trendy demeanor.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Temperature Range
Lower, often near or below freezing
Moderately low, but not extreme
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Human Perception
Requires warmth, can be uncomfortable
Pleasant, comfortable after heat
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Physical Sensation
Shivering, conserving heat
Reduction of warmth, not extreme
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Cold and Cool Definitions
Cold
Cold describes very low temperatures.
The water was too cold for swimming.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cool
Cool can also mean trendy or fashionable.
That new café is really cool.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cold
Cold can imply an unemotional, distant demeanor.
Her response was cold and formal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cool
Neither warm nor very cold; moderately cold
Fresh, cool water.
A cool autumn evening.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Cold means the absence or reduction of heat in an environment.
The room got cold after the heater broke.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Cold
Being at a temperature that is less than what is required or what is normal
Cold oatmeal.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Marked by indifference, disdain, or dislike; unfriendly or unresponsive
A cool greeting.
Was cool to the idea of higher taxes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Of, relating to, or characteristic of colors, such as blue and green, that produce the impression of coolness.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Feeling no warmth; uncomfortably chilled
We were cold sitting by the drafty windows.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Knowledgeable or aware of the latest trends or developments
Spent all his time trying to be cool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Excellent; first-rate
Has a cool sports car.
Had a cool time at the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Designating or being in a tone or color, such as pale gray, that suggests little warmth.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To make less ardent, intense, or zealous
Problems that soon cooled my enthusiasm for the project.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Exhibiting or feeling no enthusiasm
A cold audience.
A cold response to the new play.
A concert that left me cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Having lost all freshness or vividness through passage of time
Dogs attempting to catch a cold scent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Characterized by repeated failure, especially in a sport or competitive activity
The team fell into a slump of cold shooting.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Composure; poise
"Our release marked a victory. The nation had kept its cool" (Moorhead Kennedy).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Without advance preparation or introduction
Took the exam cold and passed.
Walked in cold and got the new job.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Allowing or suggesting heat relief.
Linen has made cool and breathable clothing for millennia.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Of a color, in the range of violet to green.
If you have a reddish complexion, you should mainly wear cool colors.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
A condition of low air temperature; cold weather
Went out into the cold and got a chill.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Unenthusiastic, lukewarm, skeptical.
His proposals had a cool reception.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
A viral infection characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the upper respiratory passages and usually accompanied by malaise, fever, chills, coughing, and sneezing. Also called common cold, coryza.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(of a thing) Having a low temperature.
A cold wind whistled through the trees.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Applied facetiously to a sum of money, commonly as if to give emphasis to the largeness of the amount.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(of the weather) Causing the air to be cold.
The forecast is that it will be very cold today.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(informal) Of a person, knowing what to do and how to behave; considered popular by others.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(of a person or animal) Feeling the sensation of coldness, especially to the point of discomfort.
She was so cold she was shivering.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(informal) In fashion and fancy, part of or befitting the most leading trends and habits of the in crowd; originally hipster slang.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Unfriendly; emotionally distant or unfeeling.
She shot me a cold glance before turning her back.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(informal) Of an action, all right; acceptable; that does not present a problem.
Is it cool if I sleep here tonight?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Dispassionate; not prejudiced or partisan; impartial.
Let's look at this tomorrow with a cold head.
He's a nice guy, but the cold facts say we should fire him.
The cold truth is that states rarely undertake military action unless their national interests are at stake.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(informal) Very interesting or exciting.
I think astronomy is really cool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Completely unprepared; without introduction.
He was assigned cold calls for the first three months.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(informal) (followed by with) Able to tolerate; to be fine with.
I'm completely cool with my girlfriend leaving me.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Unconscious or deeply asleep; deprived of the metaphorical heat associated with life or consciousness.
I knocked him out cold.
After one more beer he passed out cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(informal) (of a pair of people) holding no grudge against one another; having no beef.
We're cool, right?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(usually with "have" or "know" transitively) Perfectly, exactly, completely; by heart; down pat.
Practice your music scales until you know them cold.
Try both these maneuvers until you have them cold and can do them in the dark without thinking.
Rehearse your lines until you have them down cold.
Keep that list in front of you, or memorize it cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(usually with "have" transitively) Cornered; done for.
With that receipt, we have them cold for fraud.
Criminal interrogation. Initially they will dream up explanations faster than you could ever do so, but when they become fatigued, often they will acknowledge that you have them cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
A moderate or refreshing state of cold; moderate temperature of the air between hot and cold; coolness.
In the cool of the morning
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Affecting the sense of smell (as of hunting dogs) only feebly; having lost its odour.
A cold scent
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To lose heat, to get colder.
I like to let my tea cool before drinking it so I don't burn my tongue.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Distant; said, in the game of hunting for some object, of a seeker remote from the thing concealed. Compare warm and hot.
You're cold … getting warmer … hot! You've found it!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To become less intense, e.g. less amicable or passionate.
Relations cooled between the USA and the USSR after 1980.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(databases) Rarely used or accessed, and thus able to be relegated to slower storage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(informal) Without compassion; heartless; ruthless.
I can't believe she said that...that was cold!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Moderately cold; between warm and cold; lacking in warmth; producing or promoting coolness.
Fanned with cool winds.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Not ardent, warm, fond, or passionate; not hasty; deliberate; exercising self-control; self-possessed; dispassionate; indifferent; as, a cool lover; a cool debater.
For a patriot, too cool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Manifesting coldness or dislike; chilling; apathetic; as, a cool manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Quietly impudent; negligent of propriety in matters of minor importance, either ignorantly or willfully; presuming and selfish; audacious; as, cool behavior.
Its cool stare of familiarity was intolerable.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
A harsh place; a place of abandonment.
The former politician was left out in the cold after his friends deserted him.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Applied facetiously, in a vague sense, to a sum of money, commonly as if to give emphasis to the largeness of the amount.
He had lost a cool hundred.
Leaving a cool thousand to Mr. Matthew Pocket.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
(medicine) A common, usually harmless, viral illness, usually with congestion of the nasal passages and sometimes fever.
I caught a miserable cold and had to stay home for a week
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
A moderate state of cold; coolness; - said of the temperature of the air between hot and cold; as, the cool of the day; the cool of the morning or evening.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To make cool or cold; to reduce the temperature of; as, ice cools water.
Send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To moderate the heat or excitement of; to allay, as passion of any kind; to calm; to moderate.
We have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Without preparation.
The speaker went in cold and floundered for a topic.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To become less hot; to lose heat.
I saw a smith stand with his hammer, thus,the whilst his iron did on the anvil cool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
To lose the heat of excitement or passion; to become more moderate.
I will not give myself liberty to think, lest I should cool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Deprived of heat, or having a low temperature; not warm or hot; gelid; frigid.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Lacking the sensation of warmth; suffering from the absence of heat; chilly; shivering; as, to be cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Wanting in ardor, intensity, warmth, zeal, or passion; spiritless; unconcerned; reserved.
A cold and unconcerned spectator.
No cold relation is a zealous citizen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Wanting in power to excite; dull; uninteresting.
What a deal of cold business doth a man misspend the better part of life in!
The jest grows cold . . . when in comes on in a second scene.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Neither warm or very cold; giving relief from heat;
A cool autumn day
A cool room
Cool summer dresses
Cool drinks
A cool breeze
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Affecting the sense of smell (as of hunting dogs) but feebly; having lost its odor; as, a cold scent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Marked by calm self-control (especially in trying circumstances); unemotional;
Play it cool
Keep cool
Stayed coolheaded in the crisis
The most nerveless winner in the history of the tournament
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Not sensitive; not acute.
Smell this business with a sense as coldAs is a dead man's nose.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
(color) inducing the impression of coolness; used especially of greens and blues and violets;
Cool greens and blues and violets
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Distant; - said, in the game of hunting for some object, of a seeker remote from the thing concealed.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Psychologically cool and unenthusiastic; unfriendly or unresponsive or showing dislike;
Relations were cool and polite
A cool reception
Cool to the idea of higher taxes
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Having a bluish effect. Cf. Warm, 8.
He was slain in cold blood after the fight was over.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Used of a number or sum and meaning without exaggeration or qualification;
A cool million bucks
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Fashionable and attractive at the time; often skilled or socially adept;
He's a cool dude
That's cool
Mary's dress is really cool
It's not cool to arrive at a party too early
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
The sensation produced by the escape of heat; chilliness or chillness.
When she saw her lord prepared to part,A deadly cold ran shivering to her heart.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Cool describes moderately low temperatures.
The evening was cool and pleasant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cold
A morbid state of the animal system produced by exposure to cold or dampness; a catarrh.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Cool refers to a slightly chilly but comfortable state.
A cool breeze blew through the window.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cool
Cool can imply calmness and composure.
He remained cool under pressure.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cold
A mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs);
Will they never find a cure for the common cold?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cool
Cool means moderately cold, not excessively so.
The water was cool but refreshing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cold
The absence of heat;
The coldness made our breath visible
Come in out of the cold
Cold is a vasoconstrictor
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
The sensation produced by low temperatures;
He shivered from the cold
The cold helped clear his head
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Used of physical coldness; having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration;
A cold climate
A cold room
Dinner has gotten cold
Cold fingers
If you are cold, turn up the heat
A cold beer
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Extended meanings; especially of psychological coldness; without human warmth or emotion;
A cold unfriendly nod
A cold and unaffectionate person
A cold impersonal manner
Cold logic
The concert left me cold
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Having lost freshness through passage of time;
A cold trail
Dogs attempting to catch a cold scent
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Marked by errorless familiarity;
Had her lines cold before rehearsals started
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Without compunction or human feeling;
In cold blood
Cold-blooded killing
Insensate destruction
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Feeling or showing no enthusiasm;
A cold audience
A cold response to the new play
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Unconscious from a blow or shock or intoxication;
The boxer was out cold
Pass out cold
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cold
Cold refers to a lack of warmth or heat.
He felt cold standing outside in the snow.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Cold
Cold can also refer to common viral infections.
She stayed home with a bad cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does cold mean in temperature terms?
In temperature terms, cold refers to very low temperatures, often near or below freezing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Does cool always mean comfortable temperatures?
Cool generally implies comfortable temperatures, but personal preference can vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Is cold weather typically associated with any particular season?
Cold weather is typically associated with winter.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What does cool mean in social terms?
In social terms, cool often means trendy, fashionable, or composed under stress.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How does cold affect physical sensation?
Cold can lead to physical sensations like shivering and the need to conserve body heat.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can cold imply a need for protective clothing?
Yes, cold temperatures often imply a need for protective clothing to maintain warmth.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What does "cool" mean in the context of technology or gadgets?
It often refers to something advanced, innovative, or cutting-edge.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can "cool" describe a positive reaction to something impressive or exciting?
Yes, it can express admiration or approval.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is a "cooling system" in engineering?
A "cooling system" is a mechanism used to dissipate heat and maintain optimal temperatures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How is cool different from cold in weather?
Cool weather is moderately low in temperature and is generally more comfortable than cold weather.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can cold be used to describe a person's demeanor?
Yes, cold can describe a person's demeanor as unemotional or distant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
During which seasons is cool weather common?
Cool weather is common during spring and fall.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Is a cold often related to illness?
Yes, the term cold is commonly used to refer to a viral upper respiratory infection.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can "cold" also mean lacking enthusiasm or passion?
Yes, it can describe a lack of enthusiasm or passion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is a "cold front" in meteorology?
A "cold front" is the leading edge of a colder air mass displacing warmer air.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How can you alleviate the feeling of being "cold"?
You can dress warmly, use blankets, or seek shelter from the cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can cool refer to a person's behavior?
Yes, cool can refer to someone's calm and composed behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How can you maintain a "cool" demeanor in stressful situations?
By staying composed, taking deep breaths, and focusing on solutions rather than panicking.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
