frigidity
C1formal, academic, medical/psychological
Definition
Meaning
The state of being intensely cold.
A lack of warmth or emotional responsiveness; in technical contexts, a term for persistent aversion or inability to engage in sexual intercourse.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a formal and technical term. Its primary physical sense is less common than its psychological/relational senses (emotional coldness, sexual dysfunction). Can carry negative or pathologizing connotations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. The term is equally formal in both variants.
Connotations
Similar formal and clinical connotations. May be perceived as slightly more old-fashioned or blunt in everyday contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use; higher in specific academic/clinical writing. Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[frigidity of + NOUN (the heart, the response)][overcome/accuse of/treat for + frigidity]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word. Related idiom: 'cold fish' (for a person with emotional frigidity).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Could metaphorically describe a 'frigidity in negotiations'.
Academic
Used in psychology, gender studies, and literature to discuss emotional or sexual unresponsiveness.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. May be used in a critical/judgmental way about a person's demeanor.
Technical
A clinical term (though now considered dated/pejorative by many) in psychology/sexology for female sexual arousal disorder.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – The verb 'frig' is unrelated, vulgar slang.
American English
- N/A – The verb 'frig' is unrelated, vulgar slang.
adverb
British English
- She stared frigidly at the unwelcome guest.
American English
- He spoke frigidly, without a hint of sympathy.
adjective
British English
- The report described her frigid, unyielding manner.
American English
- They faced frigid temperatures during the expedition.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is not used at this level.
- The frigidity of the water took my breath away.
- Her emotional frigidity made it difficult to form a close friendship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FRIGID-ity' – it sounds like 'frigid' (freezing) + 'ity' (state of). It's the state of being frigid, either in temperature or emotion.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL/SEXUAL RESPONSIVENESS IS WARMTH / LACK OF RESPONSE IS COLD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'фригидность' as the primary meaning. The Russian term is strongly and almost exclusively sexual/clinical, while the English term retains a stronger link to general emotional coldness. In English, 'emotional coldness' is often a safer, more common translation for 'холодность'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it casually to mean 'cold weather'. (Incorrect: 'The frigidity outside is terrible.' Better: 'The frigid cold...'). Overusing it as a synonym for 'shyness' or 'reserve', which are milder.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'frigidity' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically and clinically, it was applied almost exclusively to women. In modern use, particularly in its emotional sense, it can be applied to anyone, though the sexual connotation retains a gendered history.
It is formal and can be perceived as blunt, judgmental, or clinically outdated, especially in the sexual context. Terms like 'lack of desire' or 'emotional distance' are often more neutral.
'Frigidity' is more intense, formal, and often implies a persistent, inherent state. 'Coldness' is more general, can be temporary, and is used in everyday language.
Yes, but this is literary or formal usage (e.g., 'the frigidity of the Arctic tundra'). In most contexts, 'extreme cold' or 'frigid conditions' is more natural.