frialdad
Lemma Details
Translation: coldness; coolness; frigidity; indifference; aloofness
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the Spanish adjective 'frío' (cold) with the suffix '-dad' which forms abstract nouns indicating quality or state. 'Frío' comes from Latin 'frigidus' (cold), which shares roots with English words like 'frigid', 'refrigerator', and 'refrigerate'. The '-dad' suffix corresponds to English '-ity' or '-ness', making 'frialdad' directly parallel to English 'coldness' or 'frigidity'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me sorprendió la frialdad con que me recibió.
I was surprised by the coldness with which he received me.
La frialdad del ambiente hizo que todos se sintieran incómodos.
The coldness of the atmosphere made everyone feel uncomfortable.
Respondió con frialdad a todas mis preguntas.
He responded coldly to all my questions.
La frialdad de sus ojos me asustó.
The coldness in his eyes frightened me.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'frigid' + 'quality' to remember 'frialdad' means 'coldness'
- Imagine a 'free-all dad' who is emotionally distant and cold toward his children
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'frialdad' often describes emotional distance rather than just physical coldness. It can be used to describe someone's personality or the atmosphere of a social interaction. In some contexts, showing 'frialdad' can be associated with being professional or maintaining composure, while in others it might be perceived negatively as lacking empathy.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'frialdad' refers to coldness or emotional distance, 'fragilidad' means 'fragility' or 'weakness'.
Confused word:
La fragilidad del cristal requiere un manejo cuidadoso.
The fragility of the glass requires careful handling.
Notes: Both are abstract nouns ending in '-dad', but they describe completely different qualities.
Mnemonic: 'Frialdad' starts with 'fri-' like 'frigid', while 'fragilidad' starts with 'fra-' like 'fragile'.
Explanation: 'Frialdad' refers to emotional coldness, while 'formalidad' means 'formality' or 'seriousness'.
Notes: Both words can describe interpersonal interactions, but with different connotations.
Mnemonic: 'Frialdad' relates to temperature (cold), while 'formalidad' relates to form and structure.