Phrasal verbs "calm down" vs "cool down"

Differences between calm down and cool down

Calm down and cool down are similar in meaning, but calm down is usually used to refer to someone's emotional state, while cool down is more commonly used to refer to a physical state or situation.

Meanings and Definitions: calm down vs cool down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Calm down

• 1. Stop being angry or emotionally excited.

  When I lose my temper, it takes ages for me to CALM DOWN again.

Cool down

• 1. Get cooler.

  I left the tea for a minute until it had COOLED DOWN enough to drink.

• 2. Become calm.

  It took me ages to COOL DOWN after the argument.

Usage Examples: calm down, cool down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

calm down

Example

Please calm down and tell me what happened.

Example

She usually calms down after a few minutes of deep breathing.

cool down

Example

I need to cool down after my workout.

Example

The soup cools down quickly when you put it in the fridge.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Calm down

relax

To become less tense or anxious.

Example

After a long day at work, she likes to relax by taking a hot bath.

chill out

To become less agitated or stressed.

Example

He needs to chill out and stop worrying so much about things he can't control.

take it easy

To relax and not exert oneself too much.

Example

After his surgery, the doctor advised him to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cool down

settle down

To become less intense or chaotic.

Example

After the storm passed, the winds started to settle down and the sky cleared up.

let things settle

To wait for a situation to calm down or stabilize before taking action.

Example

Before making any decisions, it's best to let things settle and see how the situation develops.

take a breather

To pause and rest for a short period of time.

Example

After running for an hour, he needed to take a breather and catch his breath.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cool”

• cool off

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• kick down
• clamp down
• sponge down
• pare down
• come down

Differences in calm down vs cool down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: calm down or cool down?

Both calm down and cool down are commonly used in everyday conversation, but calm down is slightly more common. This is because it's a more versatile phrase that can be used in a wider range of situations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of calm down and cool down

Both calm down and cool down are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of calm down and cool down

The tone of calm down and cool down can differ based on context. Calm down often carries a soothing or reassuring tone when trying to comfort someone who is upset or angry, while cool down typically has a more neutral or matter-of-fact tone, especially when referring to a physical state or situation.

calm down & cool down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Calm down

Synonyms

• relax
• soothe
• unwind
• pacify
• settle down
• cool off
• compose oneself
• de-stress

Antonyms

• agitate
• excite
• provoke
• inflame
• intensify
• exacerbate
• stir up
• rile up

Cool down

Synonyms

• relax
• unwind
• decompress
• chill
• lower temperature
• calm down
• become less intense

Antonyms

• intensify
• heat up
• warm up
• increase temperature
• get excited
• become agitated