Cool Meaning

UK /kuːl/
US /kuːl/
Word Definition
cool meaning

Cool Definition & Usage

adjective

Used to describe something that is fashionable, impressive, or admirable.

Examples

  • "That new jacket you bought is really cool."
  • "Her party was so cool; the music, the food, everything!"
  • "You should check out that new movie; it's super cool."
  • "The concert last night was awesome, so cool to see them live!"
  • "Wow, your skateboard tricks are so cool!"
adjective

Describes someone who is emotionally or physically calm, composed, or unflustered, often in stressful or challenging situations.

Examples

  • "Even during the intense meeting, he stayed cool and didn't lose his temper."
  • "She remained cool under pressure and solved the problem in no time."
  • "It's important to keep cool when dealing with difficult clients."
  • "The pilot stayed cool when the engine malfunctioned mid-flight."
  • "I need to keep cool and think through this situation logically."
adjective

Refers to something that is physically low in temperature.

Examples

  • "The ice cream was so cool and refreshing on a hot day."
  • "Can you make sure the drinks are kept cool for the party?"
  • "The breeze off the ocean felt cool against my skin."
  • "I don't like my water too cool; room temperature is better."
  • "Make sure the room stays cool during the summer heat."

Cultural Context

The word 'cool' originated from the Middle English term 'cole', meaning 'cold', but its modern connotation of being fashionable or admirable emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the jazz culture of the 1940s and 1950s. Over time, 'cool' became associated with the demeanor of musicians, artists, and youth subcultures. Today, it is widely used across different age groups and cultures to describe both things and people that are considered admirable or relaxed.

The Cool Factor

Story

The Cool Factor

Jesse had always been the 'cool' kid at school. From his effortlessly stylish outfits to his unshakable confidence, he was the type of person everyone else seemed to gravitate toward. But what really made him 'cool' wasn't just his fashion sense—it was how he handled stress. When the final exams approached, most of his classmates were anxious, studying late into the night. Jesse, on the other hand, was calm and collected. He didn't rush to cram or panic; he knew he had put in the work all year. One afternoon, as he sat with his friends at the park, Matt asked him, 'How do you stay so cool all the time?' Jesse grinned. 'You just have to trust yourself and stay in the moment. If you keep your head cool, you'll always know what to do.' The next day, during a big presentation for their science project, Jesse demonstrated his calm composure. While the other teams nervously stumbled over their words, Jesse spoke confidently, his tone steady and relaxed. Even when the projector malfunctioned mid-presentation, he didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled and said, 'No problem, let's keep cool and just use the whiteboard instead.' His peers were amazed. Not only was he cool in the way he dressed, but also in the way he handled life’s challenges. By the time the project was over, Jesse had earned more than just a good grade—he had earned the admiration of everyone around him. But being 'cool' wasn’t just about looking the part. It was about attitude. And Jesse knew the secret: 'Cool' wasn’t something you wore—it was something you lived.

The Cool Factor