icy

/ˈaɪsi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈaɪsi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈī-sē/ (ame, mw)

icy — adjective

  • icypositive
  • iciercomparative
  • iciestsuperlative

1. describes a surface that has a layer of ice on it, making it dangerously slipper

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a surface that has a layer of ice on it, making it dangerously slippery for walking or driving

例句

The driver slowed down on the icy bridge near Niran's village.

collocation: icy bridge / icy road / icy surface

Lan scraped the icy layer off the car windshield before leaving for work.

同義詞
  • frozen

    broader; can describe food, water, or ground that has turned solid from cold

  • frosty

    suggests a thin white layer of frost rather than a thick coating of ice

  • glazed

    stresses a smooth, shiny surface of ice, as on a frozen pond

反義詞
  • bare

    describes a surface with no ice or snow covering it

  • dry

    describes a surface without any moisture that could freeze

文法句型

icy + noun

be/look/feel + icy

用法筆記

Commonly used to describe roads, paths, steps, and other outdoor surfaces that have become dangerous because of a layer of ice.

2. so cold that it causes an unpleasant or painful sensation, especially when refer

2.形容詞B1
釋義

so cold that it causes an unpleasant or painful sensation, especially when referring to wind, water, or air

例句

An icy wind blew through the cracks in the old wooden cabin.

collocation: icy wind

Talia felt an icy draft on her neck while waiting for the morning bus.

同義詞
  • freezing

    more common in everyday speech; can also describe the weather generally (a freezing day)

  • frigid

    stronger and more formal, often used for air or climates that are harshly cold

  • bitter

    emphasises a painful, penetrating quality, especially with wind (bitter wind)

反義詞
  • warm

    general opposite, describes a comfortable temperature

  • mild

    describes weather that is pleasantly not cold

文法句型

icy + noun

be/feel + icy

用法筆記

Often pairs with nouns related to weather or natural elements such as wind, water, air, rain, or draft.

常見錯誤

❌The water was icy cold.
✅The water was icy.
💡'icy' already means extremely cold; adding 'cold' is redundant in most contexts.

3. behaving or speaking in a way that feels cold and unfriendly, showing no warmth

3.形容詞B2
釋義

behaving or speaking in a way that feels cold and unfriendly, showing no warmth or emotional reaction towards others

例句

The receptionist gave Ife an icy stare when she asked for a discount.

collocation: icy stare

Selim's icy tone made it clear he did not want to continue the argument.

同義詞
  • cold

    broader and more common; can describe both temporary behaviour and general personality

  • frosty

    suggests a cool but slightly less harsh unfriendliness, often after a disagreement

  • hostile

    stronger; implies active anger or aggression, not just lack of warmth

反義詞
  • warm

    describes someone who is friendly, kind, and approachable

  • friendly

    direct opposite; describes welcoming behaviour

文法句型

icy + noun

be/sound/seem + icy

用法筆記

Frequently paired with nouns that describe a person's visible or audible behaviour, such as stare, tone, glare, look, or silence. Less commonly used to describe a person's permanent personality.

常見錯誤

❌She iced him with a look.
✅She gave him an icy look.
💡'icy' is an adjective, not a verb; do not use 'ice' as a verb to describe someone's cold manner.