What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nippy
Example
The morning air was nippy, but it felt refreshing. [nippy: adjective]
Example
The nippy wind made me wish I had brought a jacket. [nippy: adjective]
Example
It's a bit nippy outside, so you might want to wear a sweater. [nippy: adjective]
chilly
Example
I'm feeling chilly, can we turn up the heat? [chilly: adjective]
Example
The chilly reception from the host made me feel unwelcome. [chilly: adjective]
Example
Her response was chilly and unenthusiastic. [chilly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chilly is more commonly used than nippy in everyday language. Chilly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nippy is less common and is often used in informal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between nippy and chilly?
While nippy is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, chilly can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.