What are the definitions of “cool down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get cooler.
I left the tea for a minute until it had COOLED DOWN enough to drink.
- 2Become calm.
It took me ages to COOL DOWN after the argument.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cool down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cool down is to become cooler in temperature or to make something cooler. It can be used to describe a hot object becoming cooler or a person cooling off after exercise.
What are the different verb forms of “cool down”?
| Root Verb | cool down |
| Third Person Singular Present | cools down |
| Present Participle | cooling down |
| Simple Past | cooled down |
| Past Participle | cooled down |
Example
I need to cool down after my workout.
Example
The soup cools down quickly when you put it in the fridge.
Example
The weather is cooling down as winter approaches.
Example
She cooled down the hot chocolate by adding ice.
Example
The room had cooled down after we opened the windows.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cool down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“cool down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The tea cooled down enough to drink.
Example
After the argument, it took me ages to cool down.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cool down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The tea cooled down enough to drink.
Example
After the argument, it took me ages to cool down.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cool down”?
Good things to know
Does “cool down” have an informal or formal tone?
Cool down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in scientific discussions about temperature or in professional contexts when discussing emotions or situations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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
