frosty

UK: ˈfrɒsti | US: ˈfrɔːsti

Definition

  1. adj. very cold; covered with frost

  2. adj. unfriendly or lacking warmth in manner

Structure
frost <freezing cold>y <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "frosty" combines "frost," derived from Old English frost (meaning "freezing cold" or "ice crystals"), with the suffix "-y," which turns nouns into adjectives. "Frost" itself traces back to Proto-Germanic frustaz, related to freezing conditions. Over time, "frosty" expanded beyond literal coldness to describe metaphorical chilliness in behavior.

Examples

  1. The morning air was frosty, making our breath visible.

  2. She gave him a frosty glare after his rude remark.

  3. The car windows were frosty after the overnight freeze.

  4. Despite the frosty weather, the children played outside.

  5. His frosty demeanor made it hard to approach him.