What is cool? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cool

cooladjective

/kuːl/
Definition & pronunciation of cool

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cool" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds like: /ˈkuːl/ (pronounced "cool")
  • Breakdown:
    • "K": A short, crisp "k" sound, like in "kite."
    • "oo": A long "oo" sound, like the "oo" in "moon" or "food." It's a rounded vowel.
    • "l": A clear "l" sound, like in "love."

The British English Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /kuːl/ (pronunciation is slightly different)
  • Breakdown:
    • "K": Similar to the American pronunciation, a short “k”.
    • "oo": Again, a long “oo” sound as in “moon”.
    • "l": a clear “l” sound.

Important Notes & Tips:

  • The "oo" sound is key: This is the most common point of confusion. Make sure you're making a full, rounded "oo" sound, not just a short "u".
  • Don’t add an "r": English speakers don't usually pronounce an "r" after the "l" in "cool."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: type "cool" in Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/cool/ – This website lets you hear how native speakers pronounce the word from different regions.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce cool" on YouTube. You'll find many videos with clear examples.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of English are you learning? (e.g., American, British, Australian?)

Usage and examples with the word cool in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cool" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a lot of different shades of meaning! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective – Meaning 'Excellent' or 'Impressive'

  • This is the most common usage. It's your go-to word for something you genuinely like or find impressive.

    • Example: "That concert was cool! The music was amazing."
    • Example: "She designed a cool website."
    • Example: "He’s a cool guy – really down-to-earth."

  • Synonyms: awesome, fantastic, great, impressive, brilliant, remarkable.

2. As an Interjection – Expressing Agreement or Enthusiasm

  • Used to show you agree with something, or express excitement. It’s a very informal way to respond.

    • Example: "Should we go to the beach?" " Cool!"
    • Example: "I got a new phone." "Cool! What does it do?"
    • Example: (Responding to a suggestion) "Let's have pizza tonight." " Cool, that sounds good."

  • Similar to: Yeah, Okay, Great!

3. Referring to Temperature (Less Common Now)

  • Historically, "cool" meant a lower temperature. This usage is fading in common conversation, but you might still hear it.
    • Example: "It’s cool outside today."

4. (Slang) Implying "Relaxed" or "Not Stressed"

  • This usage is very common, particularly among younger people. It describes someone who is calm, collected, and not worried.

    • Example: "Don't worry about it, be cool." (Meaning: relax and don’t stress)
    • Example: "He’s cool under pressure.” (Meaning: he remains calm when things are difficult)

  • Related Phrases: “Keep it cool” (stay calm), “Stay cool.”

5. (Slang - Older Usage) Meaning "Attractive" or "Stylish"

  • This usage is less common today, but it has a history. It described someone who had a fashionable or appealing appearance.
    • Example: (Older usage) "She's a cool girl." (Meaning: she’s fashionable or attractive). You’d rarely hear this used naturally now.

Important Notes & Tips:

  • Informal: "Cool" is very informal. Avoid using it in formal settings (presentations, essays, job interviews, etc.).
  • Context is Key: The meaning of "cool" changes depending on how it's used. Pay attention to the situation and the speaker's tone.
  • Regional Variations: Usage can slightly vary by region (e.g., some areas may use "cool" more liberally than others).

Here's a quick table summarizing the uses:

Usage Meaning Example
Adjective Excellent/Impressive "That movie was cool."
Interjection Agreement/Enthusiasm "Cool, let's do it!"
Temperature Low Temperature “It’s cool in the basement.”
Slang Relaxed/Calm “Be cool and take a break.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "cool"? (e.g., casual conversation, writing a story, etc.)

Synonyms for the word cool

Idioms of the word cool

(as) cool as a cucumber
very calm and showing control, especially in a difficult situation
  • George is cool as a cucumber and this should be just another operation for him.
play it cool
(informal)to deal with a situation in a calm way and not show what you are really feeling
  • I decided to play it cool and act like I had actually forgotten all about it.
take a long (cool/hard) look at something
to consider a problem or possibility very carefully and without hurrying
  • We need to take a long, hard look at all the options.
too cool for school
(informal)very fashionable
  • The assistants look like they're too cool for school.

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