Frigid

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈfɹɪd͡ʒɪd/

Definitions

1. Characterized by very low temperatures that cause a harsh cold sensation ; showing an absence of warmth or kindness in manner or feelings
2. Marked by severe coldness affecting the environment or objects ; expressing a cold, unfeeling attitude or response toward others
3. Displaying an intense chill that is uncomfortable or severe in degree ; emotionally distant or unfriendly in social interactions

Etymology: Latin "frigus" meant "cold" in the plain physical sense, and "frigidus" was the adjective built from it, so "frigid" began as a straightforward description of temperature. The Latin verb "frigeō" meant "to be cold," and the chain runs from there: "frigus" gave rise to "frigeō," which gave rise to "frigidus," and English borrowed the final adjective directly from Latin. The older root behind all of this is ancient. Its distant ancestor, reconstructed as *sríHgos, sits at the base of the Latin family, so the cold sense is among the oldest things this word has ever carried. From the Latin, English took "frigid" in its literal meaning of extremely cold weather or surroundings, and the emotional sense of coolness or unfriendliness grew out of that physical meaning.

Synonyms: cold, icy, freezing, chilly, gelid

Antonyms: warm, hot, tropical, temperate, sizzling