frosty

/ˈfrɒsti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfrɔːsti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrȯ-stē/ (ame, mw)

frosty — adjective

  • frostypositive
  • frostiercomparative
  • frostiestsuperlative

1. describes weather, air, or surfaces that are so cold that a visible white layer

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes weather, air, or surfaces that are so cold that a visible white layer of ice crystals has formed on them

例句

The frosty morning left a delicate layer of ice on every car windshield.

collocation: frosty morning

The gardener covered the young tomato plants before the frosty night arrived.

同義詞
  • icy

    suggests a slick, frozen surface; more dangerous-looking than frosty

  • freezing

    emphasises temperature below 0°C rather than the presence of frost on surfaces

  • glacial

    much more literary and dramatic; suggests slow, massive ice rather than delicate frost

反義詞
  • warm

    the direct opposite in temperature

  • balmy

    describes pleasantly mild weather, opposite of frosty conditions

用法筆記

Frequently used with weather nouns (morning, night, air, day). Can describe both weather conditions and the resulting state of surfaces.

常見錯誤

❌The tea has gone frosty in the fridge.
✅The tea has gone cold in the fridge.
💡frosty describes ice-cold outdoor conditions or ice-covered surfaces, not merely cool liquids.
❌She wore a frosty dress to the party.
✅She wore a frosty-looking white dress to the party.
💡frosty can describe appearance, but it suggests a frost-like texture or colour, not just 'cold-looking'.

2. describes a person's attitude, manner, or behaviour as coldly unwelcoming, sugge

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person's attitude, manner, or behaviour as coldly unwelcoming, suggesting disapproval, distance, or resentment

例句

When Theo arrived late again, his manager gave him a frosty look across the office.

collocation: frosty look

The receptionist's frosty tone made every visitor feel like an intruder.

collocation: frosty tone

同義詞
  • icy

    even stronger than frosty; suggests a deliberate, cutting coldness

  • cold

    general term for lack of warmth; less vivid than frosty

  • chilly

    slightly less severe; can suggest awkwardness rather than active disapproval

  • aloof

    focuses on emotional distance and detachment rather than active unfriendliness

反義詞
  • warm

    friendly and welcoming in manner

  • cordial

    politely warm and friendly

文法句型

BE + frosty

frosty + {look / tone / reply / welcome / atmosphere}

用法筆記

The figurative sense is common in phrases describing reactions (frosty look, frosty silence) and relationship atmospheres. It is stronger than cool but less hostile than hostile — a frosty person is distant and unwelcoming rather than openly aggressive.

常見錯誤

❌The soup was frosty because nobody spoke at dinner.
✅The atmosphere at dinner was frosty because nobody spoke.
💡frosty (unfriendly) applies to moods and atmospheres, not to food or objects.
❌The manager's decision was frosty towards our proposal.
✅The manager's response to our proposal was frosty.
💡frosty describes attitude or behaviour directly, not decisions or abstract things.