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."
inseparable
cool off
B1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To become cooler in temperature or to become less angry or emotionally intense.
In plain English
To get less hot or less angry.
What does "cool off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To become less angry or emotionally worked up.
"She walked around the block to cool off before calling him back."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cool until the heat is gone or 'off'.
Actually means
To get less hot or less angry.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cool off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
anger temper relationship enthusiasm feelings crowd
How to conjugate "cool off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cool off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "cool off"
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