chilliness

IPA/ˈtʃɪlinəs/
IPA/ˈtʃɪlinəs/

chilliness — noun

1. the unpleasant state of the air or environment when it is too cold for comfort,

1.名詞B1
釋義

the unpleasant state of the air or environment when it is too cold for comfort, making you feel that you need extra warmth

例句

Yan wrapped a scarf around his neck against the chilliness of the early morning air.

chilliness + of + [time/place]

The old stone floor added to the chilliness of the cottage during winter.

同義詞
  • coldness

    more general term; can describe any degree of cold, not necessarily unpleasant

  • nip

    informal, describes a sharp but mild cold in the air, often pleasant

  • rawness

    describes a damp, penetrating cold that feels harsh on the skin

反義詞
  • warmth

    the comfortable state of being pleasantly warm

文法句型

chilliness + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Uncountable noun — not used with 'a' or in the plural. Often followed by 'of + place/period' to specify where or when the cold is felt. Describes a general state of cold, not a momentary feeling (use 'a chill' for that).

常見錯誤

❌I felt a chilliness in the room.
✅I felt a chill in the room.
💡For a single moment of coldness, use 'a chill'. 'Chilliness' describes a general state, not a brief sensation.
❌There were chillinesses in the basement.
✅There was chilliness in the basement.
💡'Chilliness' is uncountable and never takes a plural form.

2. a way of behaving towards other people that is deliberately unfriendly, distant,

2.名詞B2
釋義

a way of behaving towards other people that is deliberately unfriendly, distant, or lacking in warmth and kindness

例句

Hari was hurt by the chilliness of his neighbour's response when he offered to help.

chilliness + of + [someone's response/reception]

There was a noticeable chilliness between the two colleagues after the argument.

chilliness + between [people]

同義詞
  • coldness

    broader term; can describe either deliberate or accidental unfriendliness

  • frostiness

    stronger and more vivid; suggests a hostile, icy atmosphere

  • aloofness

    describes emotional distance that may come from superiority rather than hostility

反義詞
  • warmth

    friendly, kind behaviour towards others

  • friendliness

    pleasant and helpful behaviour shown towards people

文法句型

possessive + chilliness

chilliness + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Uncountable noun. Commonly used with a possessive (his chilliness, the chilliness of her tone) or after 'there was'. Unlike physical chilliness, this sense often carries a judgement that the coldness is deliberate or unkind.

常見錯誤

❌There was a chilliness between them.
✅There was chilliness between them.
💡Do not use 'a' before this uncountable noun.
❌His chilliness towards me was because he was shy.
✅His coldness towards me was because he was shy.
💡For unintentional social distance caused by shyness, 'coldness' is more natural; 'chilliness' often implies deliberate unfriendliness.