chilly
chilly Lexical Profile
chilly Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Uncomfortably or noticeably cool or cold in temperature.
"You should bring a light jacket because the evening air gets quite chilly by the lake."
Experiencing a sensation of coldness; feeling cold.
"The children were shivering and chilly after swimming in the unheated pool."
Lacking warmth, friendliness, or enthusiasm in manner or reception; aloof.
"The diplomat received a decidedly chilly reception from the opposing delegation."
• noun
British A small, pungent pod of any of various capsicum plants used as a spice or vegetable in cooking; an alternative spelling of chili or chilli.
"He finely chopped a green chilly to add some heat to the curry."
• adverb
In a cold, unfriendly, or unenthusiastic manner.
"She smiled chilly at the uninvited guests before turning back to her conversation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the adjective 'chilly' (meaning uncomfortably cold) with the homophone 'chili' (or 'chilli' in British English), which refers to the hot pepper or the spicy dish.
• Rhymes for chilly
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from the noun 'chill' plus the adjectival suffix '-y'; 'chill' itself derives from Old English 'ciele', meaning coldness or frost.