Cool vs. Lukewarm — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Cool temperatures are typically refreshing and below room temperature, while lukewarm temperatures are slightly above room temperature but not hot.
Difference Between Cool and Lukewarm
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Cool refers to a lower temperature that is noticeably below what is considered warm but not cold. It is often associated with a refreshing and pleasant feeling. Whereas, lukewarm describes a temperature that is mildly warm, typically felt as slightly above room temperature, and lacks the refreshing quality of cool temperatures.
In terms of perception, cool environments are ideal for invigorating activities and preserving perishable goods due to the lower temperatures. On the other hand, lukewarm conditions are often suitable for tasks like proofing yeast in baking, where moderate warmth is required without the inhibiting effects of higher heat.
Cool weather is generally preferred for outdoor physical activities as it reduces the risk of overheating and dehydration. Whereas, lukewarm conditions might not provide enough cooling effect, which can lead to discomfort during strenuous activities.
In the culinary world, cool temperatures are crucial for making dishes like salads and sushi, which rely on freshness and cool storage for optimal taste and safety. In contrast, lukewarm temperatures are often used in the initial preparation of certain foods, such as activating yeast for bread or brewing certain types of tea that require gentle warmth.
Cool also conveys a certain aesthetic or demeanor, often used to describe someone’s calm and collected nature or a trend-setting style. On the other hand, lukewarm can describe a tepid or half-hearted reaction to something, reflecting a lack of enthusiasm or commitment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Temperature Range
Below room temperature
Slightly above room temperature
Ideal Uses
Refreshing drinks, preserving food
Activating yeast, brewing certain teas
Outdoor Activity
Preferred for physical exertion
Less ideal for strenuous activities
Culinary Use
Necessary for fresh dishes
Suitable for gentle warming
Figurative Use
Describes a calm demeanor or trendy style
Indicates tepid reactions or lack of enthusiasm
Compare with Definitions
Cool
Calm; not excited or agitated.
She remained cool despite the provocation.
Lukewarm
Neither hot nor cold in a negative sense.
The soup was lukewarm by the time it arrived.
Cool
Slightly less than what might be hoped for; mediocre.
The concert was cool but not the best I’ve seen.
Lukewarm
Only moderately warm; tepid.
She washed her hands in lukewarm water.
Cool
Neither warm nor very cold; moderately cold
Fresh, cool water.
A cool autumn evening.
Lukewarm
Showing little enthusiasm.
The applause was lukewarm.
Cool
Giving or suggesting relief from heat
A cool breeze.
A cool blouse.
Lukewarm
Moderately active; not vigorous or enthusiastic.
Their support for the initiative was lukewarm.
Cool
Marked by calm self-control
A cool negotiator.
Lukewarm
Characterized by a lack of force or enthusiasm.
He gave a lukewarm response to the proposal.
Cool
Marked by indifference, disdain, or dislike; unfriendly or unresponsive
A cool greeting.
Was cool to the idea of higher taxes.
Lukewarm
Mildly warm; tepid.
Cool
Of, relating to, or characteristic of colors, such as blue and green, that produce the impression of coolness.
Lukewarm
Lacking conviction or enthusiasm; indifferent
Gave only lukewarm support to the incumbent candidate.
Cool
Knowledgeable or aware of the latest trends or developments
Spent all his time trying to be cool.
Lukewarm
(temperature) Between warm and cool.
Wash it in lukewarm water.
My curry is lukewarm.
Cool
Excellent; first-rate
Has a cool sports car.
Had a cool time at the party.
Lukewarm
Unenthusiastic (about a proposal or an idea).
The suggestion met with only a lukewarm response.
Cool
Acceptable; satisfactory
It's cool if you don't want to talk about it.
Lukewarm
Moderately warm; neither cold nor hot; tepid.
Cool
(Slang) Entire; full
Worth a cool million.
Lukewarm
Not ardent; not zealous; cool; indifferent.
An obedience so lukewarm and languishing that it merits not the name of passion.
Cool
(Informal) In a casual manner; nonchalantly
Play it cool.
Lukewarm
Moderately warm;
He hates lukewarm coffee
Tepid bath water
Cool
To make less warm.
Lukewarm
Feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm;
A halfhearted effort
Gave only lukewarm support to the candidate
Cool
To make less ardent, intense, or zealous
Problems that soon cooled my enthusiasm for the project.
Cool
(Physics) To reduce the molecular or kinetic energy of (an object).
Cool
To become less warm
Took a dip to cool off.
Cool
To become calmer
Needed time for tempers to cool.
Cool
A cool place, part, or time
The cool of early morning.
Cool
The state or quality of being cool.
Cool
Composure; poise
"Our release marked a victory. The nation had kept its cool" (Moorhead Kennedy).
Cool
Having a slightly low temperature; mildly or pleasantly cold.
Cool
Allowing or suggesting heat relief.
Linen has made cool and breathable clothing for millennia.
Cool
Of a color, in the range of violet to green.
If you have a reddish complexion, you should mainly wear cool colors.
Cool
Of a person, not showing emotion; calm and in control of oneself.
Cool
Unenthusiastic, lukewarm, skeptical.
His proposals had a cool reception.
Cool
Calmly audacious.
In control as always, he came up with a cool plan.
Cool
Applied facetiously to a sum of money, commonly as if to give emphasis to the largeness of the amount.
Cool
(informal) Of a person, knowing what to do and how to behave; considered popular by others.
Cool
(informal) In fashion and fancy, part of or befitting the most leading trends and habits of the in crowd; originally hipster slang.
Cool
(informal) Of an action, all right; acceptable; that does not present a problem.
Is it cool if I sleep here tonight?
Cool
(informal) Very interesting or exciting.
I think astronomy is really cool.
Cool
(informal) (followed by with) Able to tolerate; to be fine with.
I'm completely cool with my girlfriend leaving me.
Cool
(informal) (of a pair of people) holding no grudge against one another; having no beef.
We're cool, right?
Cool
(sarcastic) (of an act or situation)'' annoying, irritating.
Cool
A moderate or refreshing state of cold; moderate temperature of the air between hot and cold; coolness.
In the cool of the morning
Cool
A calm temperament.
Cool
The property of being cool, popular or in fashion.
Cool
To lose heat, to get colder.
I like to let my tea cool before drinking it so I don't burn my tongue.
Cool
To make cooler, less warm.
Cool
To become less intense, e.g. less amicable or passionate.
Relations cooled between the USA and the USSR after 1980.
Cool
To make less intense, e.g. less amicable or passionate.
Cool
(transitive) To kill.
Cool
Moderately cold; between warm and cold; lacking in warmth; producing or promoting coolness.
Fanned with cool winds.
Cool
Not ardent, warm, fond, or passionate; not hasty; deliberate; exercising self-control; self-possessed; dispassionate; indifferent; as, a cool lover; a cool debater.
For a patriot, too cool.
Cool
Not retaining heat; light; as, a cool dress.
Cool
Manifesting coldness or dislike; chilling; apathetic; as, a cool manner.
Cool
Quietly impudent; negligent of propriety in matters of minor importance, either ignorantly or willfully; presuming and selfish; audacious; as, cool behavior.
Its cool stare of familiarity was intolerable.
Cool
Applied facetiously, in a vague sense, to a sum of money, commonly as if to give emphasis to the largeness of the amount.
He had lost a cool hundred.
Leaving a cool thousand to Mr. Matthew Pocket.
Cool
A moderate state of cold; coolness; - said of the temperature of the air between hot and cold; as, the cool of the day; the cool of the morning or evening.
Cool
To make cool or cold; to reduce the temperature of; as, ice cools water.
Send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue.
Cool
To moderate the heat or excitement of; to allay, as passion of any kind; to calm; to moderate.
We have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts.
Cool
To become less hot; to lose heat.
I saw a smith stand with his hammer, thus,the whilst his iron did on the anvil cool.
Cool
To lose the heat of excitement or passion; to become more moderate.
I will not give myself liberty to think, lest I should cool.
Cool
The quality of being cool;
The cool of early morning
Cool
Great coolness and composure under strain;
Keep your cool
Cool
Make cool or cooler;
Chill the food
Cool
Loose heat;
The air cooled considerably after the thunderstorm
Cool
Lose intensity;
His enthusiasm cooled considerably
Cool
Neither warm or very cold; giving relief from heat;
A cool autumn day
A cool room
Cool summer dresses
Cool drinks
A cool breeze
Cool
Marked by calm self-control (especially in trying circumstances); unemotional;
Play it cool
Keep cool
Stayed coolheaded in the crisis
The most nerveless winner in the history of the tournament
Cool
(color) inducing the impression of coolness; used especially of greens and blues and violets;
Cool greens and blues and violets
Cool
Psychologically cool and unenthusiastic; unfriendly or unresponsive or showing dislike;
Relations were cool and polite
A cool reception
Cool to the idea of higher taxes
Cool
Used of a number or sum and meaning without exaggeration or qualification;
A cool million bucks
Cool
Fashionable and attractive at the time; often skilled or socially adept;
He's a cool dude
That's cool
Mary's dress is really cool
It's not cool to arrive at a party too early
Cool
Slightly cold but not uncomfortable.
The evening was cool, perfect for a walk.
Cool
Fashionably attractive.
He’s really cool with his new haircut.
Cool
Used to express approval or admiration.
That’s a cool idea!
Common Curiosities
What is considered a cool temperature?
Cool temperature is typically below room temperature but not cold, generally felt as refreshing and invigorating.
Can cool and lukewarm temperatures be used interchangeably in cooking?
No, cool temperatures are better for preserving freshness, while lukewarm temperatures are ideal for processes like activating yeast.
Is there a psychological effect associated with cool and lukewarm temperatures?
Yes, cool temperatures can enhance alertness and mental clarity, whereas lukewarm environments might not stimulate the same response.
How do cool and lukewarm temperatures affect physical activity?
Cool temperatures are preferred for physical activities to prevent overheating, while lukewarm temperatures might cause discomfort and less effective cooling.
Can beverages be served lukewarm?
Yes, some beverages like certain herbal teas are best served lukewarm.
What does lukewarm mean in terms of water temperature?
Lukewarm water is slightly warmer than room temperature but not hot, usually around 98-105 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do the reactions to cool and lukewarm temperatures differ in everyday language?
Cool often receives a positive reaction for being refreshing or stylish, whereas lukewarm typically receives a negative reaction for being insufficiently enthusiastic or warm.
What is the best temperature for sleeping, cool or lukewarm?
Cooler temperatures are generally better for sleep, as they support the natural drop in body temperature.
What sets "cool" apart from "lukewarm"?
Cool's chilling, lukewarm's just there.
Why is cool considered fashionable?
Cool often refers to something trendy, appealing, and possibly avant-garde, making it fashionable.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Courtyard vs. Patio
Next Comparison
Lace vs. BraidAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
