frigid

When it gets very, very cold outside, you’ll often hear people use the adjective "frigid" to describe the temperature:

• The air outside is frigid.
• Frigid air moved in from the Arctic.
• Frigid temperatures forced the cancellation of school today.
• A frigid mass of cold air brought temperatures down below zero.

26 degrees below zero!

This word may also be used to describe relationships among people.

• Their relationship became frigid and ultimately resulted in a divorce.
• Bob complains that his wife is frigid. She has no interest in him.
• Many patients at the hospital describe Dr. Benson’s bedside manner as frigid. He seems indifferent* to the people he treats.

*indifferent: uncaring; not interested

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Published on January 6, 2014