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cool off

B1 informal inseparable both
In simple words

To get less hot or less angry.

Literal meaning: To cool until the heat is gone or 'off'.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To become cooler or to lower one's body temperature, often by moving somewhere cooler or by swimming.

"We jumped in the lake to cool off after the long hike."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To become less angry or emotionally worked up.

"She walked around the block to cool off before calling him back."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

For enthusiasm, interest, or a relationship to become less intense over time.

"Their romance had cooled off considerably by the end of the year."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very similar to 'cool down' but slightly more informal. 'Cool off' often suggests a quicker or more deliberate action, such as going for a swim to cool off, or leaving a room to cool off after an argument. Also used to describe diminishing enthusiasm or interest in something over time.

Commonly used with

anger temper relationship enthusiasm feelings crowd

Forms

Base
cool off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cools off
he/she/it
Past simple
cooled off
yesterday
Past participle
cooled off
have + pp
-ing form
cooling off
continuous

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Synonyms

cool down calm down chill settle subside

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