What is cold? Pronunciation and usage in English

cold means . Learn how to pronounce and use cold through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cold

coldadjective

/kəʊld/
Definition & pronunciation of cold

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cold" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The Basic Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /kəʊld/ (in British English - often spelled "cold")
  • /kôld/ (in American English - often spelled "cold")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

1. "col-" (the first part)

  • "c": Pronounced like the "c" in "cat." It's a crisp, clear sound.
  • "o": Pronounced like the "o" in "open" or "hot." It's a short, open vowel sound.
  • "l": Pronounced like the "l" in "lamp."

2. "-d" (the last part)

  • "d": Pronounced like the "d" in "dog." It's a clear, voiced "d" (your voice vibrates).

Putting it Together:

  • British: Stress is on the first syllable. It sounds roughly like: "kuh-OULD" (the "O" is emphasized)
  • American: The stress is slightly more on the second syllable. It sounds roughly like: "KOH-uld" (the "O" is emphasized).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: This is the most important thing. You can find many examples online:
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce cold" on YouTube - you'll find many videos with clear pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/cold/ - This website lets you hear the word pronounced by people from different regions.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "cold" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Pay attention to the vowel sound: That "o" sound is key! Make sure it's an open "o" like in "open" and not a rounded "o" like in "boat."

Resources to check out:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar vowel sounds?

Usage and examples with the word cold in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cold" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Temperature – Literally Cold

  • Definition: Relating to a low temperature; not warm.
  • Examples:
    • “It’s cold outside today.”
    • “I’m cold; can I close the window?”
    • “The soup was cold when I got it.”
    • “She shivered in the cold air.”

2. Feeling – Emotionally Cold

  • Definition: Without warmth, compassion, or feeling. Someone who is emotionally distant or unfeeling.
  • Examples:
    • “He seemed cold and detached during the conversation.”
    • “She was incredibly cold to her friend after the argument.”
    • “Don’t be so cold! Show a little empathy.”
    • "He gave a cold response to my request."

3. Food & Drink – Temperature of Food

  • Definition: Served or kept at a low temperature.
  • Examples:
    • “I’d like a cold drink.”
    • “The ice cream was cold and delicious.”
    • “He served the soup cold.”
    • “A cold steak is usually preferred.”

4. Illness – Referring to a Cold (a minor illness)

  • Definition: A common, mild infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
  • Examples:
    • “I think I have a cold.”
    • “She’s been sick with a cold all week.”
    • “Take care of yourself and get some rest if you have a cold.”

5. Color – The Color Blue

  • Definition: The color blue.
  • Examples:
    • “He wore a cold blue shirt.”
    • “The sky was a cold blue.”

6. Figurative Language - Coldness of a Situation or Idea

  • Definition: Used to describe a situation or an idea as being harsh, unfeeling, or lacking emotion.
  • Examples:
    • “The business deal was shockingly cold and impersonal.”
    • “His criticisms were remarkably cold and lacking in constructive feedback.”

7. Other Uses (Less Common)

  • Cold War: (Historical) A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.
  • Cold Steel: (Literal) Steel that has not been heated.

Tips for Using "Cold":

  • Context is key: The meaning of "cold" depends heavily on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Adjectives: "Cold" often modifies other adjectives—e.g., "cold and dark," "cold comfort."
  • Contrast: "Cold" is frequently used to contrast with something warm or positive—e.g., "a cold day versus a warm day."

Could you tell me a little more about how you’d like me to help you with "cold"? For example:

  • Are you trying to use it in a specific sentence?
  • Do you want me to give you more examples of a particular usage (e.g., “cold” as an emotion)?

Synonyms for the word cold

Idioms of the word cold

blow hot and cold (about something)
(informal)to change your opinion about something often
    a cold fish
    a person who seems unfriendly and without strong emotions
      get/have cold feet
      (informal)to suddenly become nervous about doing something that you had planned to do
      • He was going to ask her but he got cold feet and said nothing.
      give somebody the cold shoulder
      (informal)to treat somebody in a way that is not friendly
        go hot and cold
        to experience a sudden feeling of fear or worry
        • When the phone rang I just went hot and cold.
        in cold blood
        acting in a way that is deliberately cruel
        • to kill somebody in cold blood
        in the cold light of day
        when you have had time to think calmly about something; in the morning when things are clearer
        • These things always look different in the cold light of day.
        leave somebody cold
        to fail to affect or interest somebody
        • Most modern art leaves me cold.
        make somebody’s blood run cold
        to make somebody very frightened or fill them with horror
        • The sound of laughter in the empty house made my blood run cold.
        • Our blood ran cold at the thought of how easily we could have been killed.
        pour/throw cold water on something
        to give reasons for not being in favour of something; to criticize something
        • She immediately poured cold water on his plans to expand the business.

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