Definition

1. Noun:
   • A moderately low temperature; a lack of warmth: The property of being cool or somewhat cold.
   • Calmness and composure, especially under pressure: The quality of being self-possessed, unemotional, or unruffled.
   • A lack of friendliness, warmth, or enthusiasm: A manner that is emotionally distant, indifferent, or aloof.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to temperature:

  • The coolness of the evening air was refreshing after the hot day.
  • She enjoyed the coolness of the marble floor on her feet.

• Referring to composure:

  • He faced the difficult questions with remarkable coolness.
  • The pilot's coolness during the emergency prevented a disaster.

• Referring to emotional distance:

  • Her coolness towards her colleagues made it hard to work as a team.
  • There was a noticeable coolness in his tone when he spoke about his rival.

Advanced Usage

• "To have the coolness to do something": To have the audacity or nerve to do something, often implying calm impudence.
  • He had the coolness to ask for a raise on his first day.
• "To keep one's coolness": To maintain one's composure.
  • Despite the provocation, she managed to keep her coolness.

Variants and Related Words

• Cool (adj): Moderately cold; calm and unemotional.
  • A cool breeze; a cool response.
• Coolly (adv): In a calm and unemotional manner.
  • He answered the accusation coolly.
• Cool-headed (adj): Able to stay calm and think clearly in difficult situations. (Listed as a related compound term).
  • We need a cool-headed leader for this crisis.

Synonyms

• Chilliness (for temperature); coldness (for temperature or demeanor).
• Composure, poise, self-possession (for calmness).
• Aloofness, detachment, indifference (for lack of enthusiasm).

Related Phrases

• Coolness under fire: The ability to remain calm and effective while being criticized or in a dangerous situation.
  • The senator demonstrated great coolness under fire during the debate.

Related Idioms

• To lose one's cool(ness): To become angry or agitated; to lose one's composure. (Note: The common idiom is "lose one's cool," where "cool" is a noun meaning composure).
  • He rarely loses his cool, even in stressful meetings.

Noun

1. a lack of affection or enthusiasm
   • a distressing coldness of tone and manner
2. fearless self-possession in the face of danger
3. the property of being moderately cold
   • the chilliness of early morning
4. calm and unruffled self-assurance
   • he performed with all the coolness of a veteran