Word
coolly
Phoneticscool·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkuɫi/
UK/kˈuːli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a calm way that shows little feeling. You use it when someone stays relaxed or acts a little unfriendly.
adv. in a calm and controlled way, without showing strong feeling. Often implies emotional distance or deliberate unfriendliness.
Examples
“She answers every question coolly and clearly.”
“When the reporter asks about the delay, the manager responds coolly and promises an update tomorrow.”
“Although the negotiation grows tense, she assesses each offer coolly, weighing the risks before she speaks.”
Examples
simple
“She answers every question coolly and clearly.”
contextual
“When the reporter asks about the delay, the manager responds coolly and promises an update tomorrow.”
complex
“Although the negotiation grows tense, she assesses each offer coolly, weighing the risks before she speaks.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “coolly” in context.
Verb
01. assess coolly
“A good leader must assess coolly before acting.”
verb + adv
02. greet coolly
“They greeted him coolly at the reception.”
verb + adv
03. nod coolly
“He nodded coolly and walked past without stopping.”
verb + adv
04. observe coolly
“She observed coolly as the two men argued.”
verb + adv
Adjective
05. coolly detached
“She remained coolly detached during the heated argument.”
adv + adj
06. coolly efficient
“The nurse was coolly efficient in the emergency room.”
adv + adj
07. coolly polite
“He was coolly polite to the reporters waiting outside.”
adv + adj
08. coolly rational
“She gave a coolly rational explanation for her decision.”
adv + adj
09. assess the situation coolly
“Try to assess the situation coolly before you respond.”
10. greeted coolly by staff
“We were greeted coolly by staff at the hotel entrance.”
11. nod coolly in greeting
“He nodded coolly in greeting and continued walking.”
12. observe coolly from sidelines
“She observed coolly from the sidelines as the debate grew heated.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Etymology
From cool + -ly (adverbial suffix).
From cool + -ly (adjectival suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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