What does perishingly mean?
The adverb perishingly is used to indicate that something is extremely cold or frosty. It is often used to describe the weather, particularly wind or air temperature. The word is formal or informal in usage and has a connotation of extreme cold. It is commonly used in collocations with words like wind and air, and is not typically used in regional dialects. Perishingly is often confused with the adverb extremely, but the two words have distinct meanings and uses. In summary, perishingly is a useful word for describing extremely cold or frosty conditions, and is a good choice for writers and speakers who want to convey a sense of extreme cold.
adverbUsed to indicate that something is extremely cold or frosty.
- Used to indicate that something is extremely cold or frosty.
"The perishingly cold wind made it difficult to stand outside for long."
"The perishingly cold wind made it difficult to stand outside for long."
"The perishingly cold air made my breath visible."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of perishingly
The word perishingly is derived from the verb perish, which means to die or become extinct. The adverb perishingly is a development of this verb, and is used to indicate that something is extremely cold or frosty. The word is likely to have originated in the 17th century, and has been in use since then. It is related to other words like perishable and perishing, which also convey a sense of extreme cold or decay.
Usage notes
Formal or informal usage: both. Connotation: extremely cold. Common collocations: cold wind, frosty air. Regional differences: none. Distinctions from similar words: extremely, very.