freddamente
|fred-da-men-te|
/fred.daˈmɛn.te/
(freddo)
coldly / emotionally distant
Etymology
'freddamente' originates from Italian, specifically the adjective 'freddo' plus the adverbial suffix '-mente', where 'freddo' meant 'cold' and '-mente' comes from Latin 'mente' (ablative of 'mens') meaning 'mind' (used to form adverbs meaning 'in the manner of').
'freddo' changed from Vulgar/Medieval Latin forms derived from Latin 'frīgidus' ('cold'); through Old/Medieval Italian forms like 'fredu'/'freddu' it eventually became modern Italian 'freddo', and with the adverbial suffix '-mente' produced 'freddamente'.
Initially it conveyed the idea 'in a manner of coldness' (either physical cold or lack of warmth); over time its common usage specialized toward the emotional sense 'in an emotionally cold or indifferent manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a physically cold manner (rare for adverbial use referring to temperature).
He touched the metal freddamente and pulled his hand back.
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Antonyms
Adverb 2
in an emotionally cold, distant, or indifferent manner; without warmth or affection.
She answered freddamente, giving no sign of sympathy.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/19 11:02