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cool
/kuːl/
slightly cold
The water in the pool is cool.
The water is moderately cold but pleasant for swimming.
neutral
Moderately cold in temperature.
It's cool in the shade.
The temperature is comfortably cool under the shade.
She wore a cool jacket.
The jacket was designed to keep her moderately warm.
neutral
Calm and composed; not excited or emotional.
He remained cool under pressure.
He stayed calm and rational despite stress.
Her cool demeanor impressed the interviewers.
She appeared unflustered and professional.
informal
Fashionable or stylish.
Those sunglasses are really cool!
The sunglasses are trendy and stylish.
He has a cool sense of style.
His fashion choices are admired by others.
informal
Excellent or impressive.
That concert was so cool!
The concert was amazing and enjoyable.
You got a new phone? Cool!
Your new phone is impressive or exciting.
neutral
To become or cause to become less warm.
The soup will cool down in a few minutes.
The soup's temperature will decrease.
Let the tea cool before drinking it.
Allow the tea to lose heat before consumption.
Collocations
cool downto become less warm or to calm down emotionallycool offto become less enthusiastic or to lose heatcool breezea gentle, refreshing windcool colorscolors that are not warm, like blues and greenscool heada calm and rational state of mind
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'cool' for approval
While 'cool' is widely used to express approval, it can sound informal or unenthusiastic in professional settings. Consider alternatives like 'great,' 'awesome,' or 'excellent' depending on the context.
Gold Rule
Use 'cool' appropriately for temperature
When referring to temperature, 'cool' implies a pleasant, moderate coldness rather than extreme cold. For example, 'It's cool today' suggests a comfortable temperature, while 'It's freezing' indicates extreme cold.
Recognize the slang meaning
In informal contexts, 'cool' can mean 'excellent' or 'impressive.' This usage is common among younger speakers and in casual conversations.
Word Origin
From Old English 'col' (cold), derived from Proto-Germanic '*kalaz', related to Dutch 'koel' and German 'kühl'. The slang meanings (fashionable, excellent) emerged in African American Vernacular English in the early 20th century and became mainstream by the 1950s.
Usage Notes
The word 'cool' has evolved significantly from its literal meaning to include emotional states and social approval. In modern usage, it is often used as an interjection to express agreement or approval (e.g., 'Cool! I'll see you there.'). The slang meaning of 'excellent' is more common in informal contexts among younger speakers.
Word Breakdown
cool
moderately cold or calm
rootEnglish Dictionary