English Reference

Phrasal verb

cool down

Definition

phrasal verb. to become less hot, or to become calm after being angry or excited.

phrasal verb. to decrease in temperature; figuratively, to return to a state of emotional composure following a period of agitation or intense activity.

Examples

“Let your soup cool down before you eat it.”

“After their big argument, he went for a long walk to cool down.”

“The engine requires several hours to cool down completely before any mechanical repairs can be safely attempted by the technicians.”

Examples

simple

“Let your soup cool down before you eat it.”

contextual

“After their big argument, he went for a long walk to cool down.”

complex

“The engine requires several hours to cool down completely before any mechanical repairs can be safely attempted by the technicians.”

Usage

can be used for physical temperature or for human emotions and social situations.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'cool off', which is often used for physical relief from heat (like jumping in a pool), whereas 'cool down' is more common for the process of losing heat or calming anger.

Pitfall

I waited for the coffee cool down.

I waited for the coffee to cool down.

when 'cool down' follows 'wait for [object]', the infinitive 'to' is required.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

optional

Pattern

cool + (object) + down

Synonyms

chillsettle downcalm down

Antonyms

heat upwarm uplose one's temper

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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