# coldly

/ˈkoʊɫdɫi/ (US) · /kˈəʊldli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coldly
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

in a way that is not warm or friendly. You use this to describe someone who is being very serious, unfriendly, or not showing any emotion.

For teachers: in a manner that is emotionally detached, unfeeling, or lacking in warmth. Often describes a calculated or pragmatic approach to a situation.

## Examples

- He looked at her coldly and walked away.
- The manager coldly dismissed the employee's request for a raise, citing company policy and budget constraints.
- The diplomat coldly assessed the situation, ignoring the emotional appeals of the protestors and focusing solely on the strategic implications for the nation's security.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.