A1 noun Neutral #1,073 most common

freezing

/ˈfriː.zɪŋ/

Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The temperature dropped below freezing last night.

The temperature dropped below freezing last night.

2

The meteorological report indicates a period of sustained freezing.

The meteorological report indicates a period of sustained freezing.

3

It is way below freezing, so wear a heavy coat!

It is way below freezing, so wear a heavy coat!

Word Family

Noun
freezing
Verb
freeze
Adverb
freezingly
Adjective
freezing
Related
freezer
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'Freezer' in your kitchen; it is where the 'freezing' happens to make ice.

Quick Quiz

Water turns into ice when the temperature is at ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: freezing

Examples

1

The temperature dropped below freezing last night.

everyday

The temperature dropped below freezing last night.

2

The meteorological report indicates a period of sustained freezing.

formal

The meteorological report indicates a period of sustained freezing.

3

It is way below freezing, so wear a heavy coat!

informal

It is way below freezing, so wear a heavy coat!

4

The experiment monitors the freezing of various liquids at high altitudes.

academic

The experiment monitors the freezing of various liquids at high altitudes.

5

The company expects delays in shipping due to the freezing of the harbor.

business

The company expects delays in shipping due to the freezing of the harbor.

Word Family

Noun
freezing
Verb
freeze
Adverb
freezingly
Adjective
freezing
Related
freezer

Common Collocations

below freezing below freezing
above freezing above freezing
freezing point freezing point
near freezing near freezing
hard freezing hard freezing

Common Phrases

freezing cold

freezing cold

at the freezing point

at the freezing point

freezing rain

freezing rain

Often Confused With

freezing vs frozen

Freezing is the process or the current state of the weather, while frozen is the completed state of an object.

freezing vs frost

Freezing refers to the temperature or process, whereas frost refers specifically to the white ice crystals on surfaces.

📝

Usage Notes

In A1 English, 'freezing' is most commonly used in the phrase 'below freezing' to describe the weather. While it can be an adjective, as a noun it specifically denotes the temperature threshold of 0°C.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'It is the freezing' instead of 'It is freezing' (adjective) or 'The temperature is below freezing' (noun).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Freezer' in your kitchen; it is where the 'freezing' happens to make ice.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'frēosan', which means to turn to ice.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun Often follows prepositions like 'below' or 'above' Can be used as a gerund
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cold-climate countries, the 'freezing' mark is a critical metric for school closures and road safety warnings.

Quick Quiz

Water turns into ice when the temperature is at ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: freezing

More Weather words

windy

A1

Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.

foggy

A1

Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.

stormy

A1

Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.

overcast

A1

An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.

cool

A1

Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.

humid

A1

Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.

wet

A1

Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.

mild

A1

Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.

rain

A1

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.

snow

A1

Snow consists of soft, white flakes of frozen water that fall from the sky during cold weather. It accumulates on the ground as a white layer and is a common feature of winter in many parts of the world.

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