What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cold
Example
I need to wear a jacket because it's cold outside. [cold: adjective]
Example
She shivered from the cold wind blowing through the open window. [cold: noun]
icy
Example
Be careful, the steps are icy after the snowstorm. [icy: adjective]
Example
He slipped and fell on the icy pavement. [icy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cold is more commonly used than icy in everyday language. Cold is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while icy is more specific and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cold and icy?
Both cold and icy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cold is more commonly used and has a more neutral tone, while icy can have negative connotations due to its association with danger and slipperiness.
