chill factor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, journalistic, weather-forecast
Quick answer
What does “chill factor” mean?
The temperature of the air as perceived by a human, taking into account the cooling effect of wind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The temperature of the air as perceived by a human, taking into account the cooling effect of wind.
A negative or discouraging element that makes an experience worse than it otherwise would be; a figurative dampening or discouraging effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In literal sense, both use it, but 'wind chill' or 'wind chill factor' is more standard in US weather reports. The figurative 'chill factor' is slightly more common in UK journalistic writing.
Connotations
Both share the same core connotations. The figurative use often implies an unnecessary or added negative psychological component.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK media; in US, the term is often spelled as one word: 'chillfactor' in informal/branding contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chill factor” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has a [ADJ] chill factor.Don't forget the chill factor of the [NOUN].[VERB] without considering the chill factor.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chill factor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wind really chill-factored the morning.
- They didn't chill-factor the proposal adequately.
American English
- That news chill-factored the entire party.
- You have to chill-factor the wind speed into your calculations.
adverb
British English
- It felt chill-factor cold on the ridge.
- The negotiations proceeded chill-factor slowly.
American English
- Dress chill-factor warmly tonight.
- He spoke chill-factor bluntly.
adjective
British English
- It was a chill-factor morning, brutal for the marathon.
- He gave a chill-factor assessment of the market.
American English
- The chill-factor effect was immediate.
- We got a chill-factor warning from the weather service.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new regulations introduced a significant chill factor into investment.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in environmental science or human geography papers discussing perceived temperature.
Everyday
Most common in discussions about weather: 'It's only -5°C, but with the chill factor it feels like -15°C.'
Technical
The precise term is 'wind chill' or 'wind chill index'; 'chill factor' is a popularisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chill factor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chill factor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chill factor”
- Using it as a synonym for just 'cold' (e.g., 'There's a chill factor today' vs. 'The chill factor is high today').
- Confusing 'chill factor' (general) with 'wind chill factor' (specific).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In strict meteorological terms, 'wind chill' or 'wind chill index' is the correct scientific measurement. 'Chill factor' is the popular, informal term for the same concept.
Almost never. Its core meaning involves an added negative element (cold, discouragement), so its connotations are inherently unpleasant or deterrent.
Use it to describe an extra element that makes a situation more discouraging, tense, or unpleasant. E.g., 'The constant media scrutiny added a chill factor to their public appearances.'
No. For formal or scientific writing, prefer 'wind chill', 'wind chill index', or 'apparent temperature'. 'Chill factor' is informal and journalistic.
The temperature of the air as perceived by a human, taking into account the cooling effect of wind.
Chill factor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl ˌfæktə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl ˌfæktər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the chill factor into account.”
- “A political chill factor descended on the talks.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'factor' (element) that makes you go 'Brr, it's *chill*!' Literally the wind, figuratively any off-putting element.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCOURAGEMENT IS COLD / AN UNPLEASANT REALITY IS A COLD WIND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chill factor' used LEAST appropriately?