coldness
UK[ˈkəʊldnəs]US[ˈkoʊldnəs]
n
the state or condition of being cold in temperature.
n
a lack of warmth or affection in a person's manner or feelings.
Morpheme Breakdown
cold
ness
cold
low temperature
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'coldness' is a transparent english formation built from the native germanic adjective 'cold' and the abstract noun suffix '-ness'. the root 'cold' descends from proto-germanic kaldaz, which itself derives from the proto-indo-european root gel- meaning 'cold' or 'to freeze', a root also giving rise to latin 'gelu' (frost) and english 'gelid'. the suffix '-ness' is one of the most productive in english for forming nouns denoting a state, condition, or quality. thus, the literal construction 'the state/quality of being cold' evolved seamlessly from its physical temperature sense to its common metaphorical application describing emotional indifference or lack of warmth.
Analysis
Structure: cold (low temperature) + ness (state or quality)
- cold: from old english 'cald' or 'ceald', of germanic origin; related to dutch 'koud' and german 'kalt'. functions as the adjective root meaning 'of low temperature'.
- ness: from old english '-nes', '-nis', a suffix forming nouns of state or quality, from proto-germanic -inassu-. functions as a noun-forming suffix.
Examples
the coldness of the metal made her shiver.
there was a noticeable coldness in his tone during the argument.
she was taken aback by the coldness of his greeting.