What does frostlike mean?
Frostlike is an adjective meaning “resembling frost.” It is used chiefly in literary or otherwise marked writing to describe a pale, crystalline, icy appearance or an object whose surface suggests winter cold. The word can also create a figurative impression of emotional coldness or reserve, although its basic sense is physical. “Frostlike” is more evocative than a plain “icy” and more unusual than “frosty.” Its relative rarity gives it a poetic or descriptive quality in formal prose, while also making it less suitable for routine everyday explanation. The suffix -like allows the word to focus on appearance and quality rather than simply saying that something is cold. For readers, “frostlike” is especially useful when the aim is to evoke frost’s combined associations with delicacy, brilliance, and biting cold.
adjectiveResembling frost, especially in appearance, texture, or icy quality. In figurative use, it can suggest coldness, reserve, or lack of warmth.
- Resembling frost, especially in being pale, crystalline, or icy.
"The garden was frostlike in the early light, its leaves silvered with ice."
"The garden was frostlike in the early light, its leaves silvered with ice."
"Her frostlike reply left no room for warmth or further discussion."
Frostlike is a compact, literary label for a scene whose beauty is inseparable from its biting cold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does frostlike come from?
Frostlike is an English compound formed from frost and the suffix -like. The element frost continues Old English frost, a Germanic word for ice or a covering of ice, while -like means “resembling” and is a productive suffix in English. The compound is therefore transparent in meaning, though it is less common than frosty or icy.
How frostlike is actually used
Frostlike is uncommon and sounds literary or poetic. It is more evocative than the ordinary words icy or frosty and may also suggest emotional coldness or reserve in figurative contexts.
Easily confused with frostlike
Frostlike describes something that resembles frost, whereas frosty more directly suggests being covered with frost or being extremely cold.