English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adverb

coolly

KOOL-lee

Coolly (adverb) means In a calm, composed, or unflustered manner. Example: “She coolly explained why the deadline had been missed.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

adverb

1

In a calm, composed, or unflustered manner.

"She coolly explained why the deadline had been missed."

"He coolly stepped over the broken glass without a word."

2

In a distant or unfriendly manner.

"They greeted the newcomer rather coolly."

How to use coolly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDoing something calmly, or (in a different context) doing it in a distant, unwelcoming way.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "cooly," a rare alternate spelling of the noun coolie — "coolly" is always the adverb.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like coolly.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more coolly comparative, more coolly comparative, most coolly superlative, most coolly superlative

Test yourself on “coolly” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ explained why the deadline had been missed.

Etymology

Formed from the adjective cool plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

Synonyms

nervelessly nonchalantly

Related words

casually

Rhymes for coolly

Olly jolly lolly dolly folly molly holly golly Polly Bolly rolly Tolly

See all rhymes for coolly →

Frequently asked questions

What does “coolly” mean?

The word “coolly” means in a calm, composed, or unflustered manner. In plain terms, doing something calmly, or (in a different context) doing it in a distant, unwelcoming way.

How do you pronounce “coolly”?

“Coolly” is pronounced KOOL-lee (/ˈkuːl.li/ in IPA).

How do you use “coolly” in a sentence?

Here is “coolly” used in a sentence: “She coolly explained why the deadline had been missed.”

What part of speech is “coolly”?

“Coolly” is an adverb.

How many meanings does “coolly” have?

“Coolly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a calm, composed, or unflustered manner.

People also searched

casually

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial