Spanish word

gélido

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈxeliðo/

Meaning

  • adjectivefreezing

Example

Un viento gélido entró por la ventana.

A freezing wind came in through the window.

Illustration for gélido (freezing)

More examples

Su mirada se volvió gélida cuando mencionó el tema.

His gaze became icy when the topic was mentioned.

Core concept

A frozen, silent room.

Common phrases

  • mirada gélida

    icy gaze

  • respuesta gélida

    icy response

  • sonrisa gélida

    icy smile

Similar words

frío: Low temperature felt as noticeably cool air or touch.
helado: Ice-cold, as if frozen solid with an ice-like hardness.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa una frialdad intensa tanto física como figurada, usado para describir miradas, silencios o ambientes que transmiten dureza o indiferencia.

Word origin

Latin gelidus 'icy' supplies the root sense, and usage extends the idea of physical freezing to an emotional or social coldness in looks, silences, and moods.

Usage tips

  • The adjective agrees in gender and number (gélida, gélidos, gélidas) and keeps the written accent on the e in all forms, so watch the spelling when changing endings.

Other meanings

  • coldadjective

Opposites

  • cálidowarmadjective
  • tibiolukewarmadjective

Word lists with this word