Cool vs. Awesome: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Cool" is often used to describe something that is moderately impressive or in style, while "Awesome" suggests something is extremely impressive or awe-inspiring. Both are colloquial terms for expressing approval or admiration.
Key Differences
The term "Cool" is more understated in its expression of approval or admiration. It's often used to describe things that are fashionable, stylish, or impressive to a moderate degree. On the other hand, "Awesome" is more emphatic and indicates something that is extremely impressive or invokes a sense of awe.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
"Cool" also has multiple meanings and can describe temperature, composure, or even approval. "Awesome," however, is more focused on the notion of something being extraordinary, often to the point of being overwhelming or awe-inspiring.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
In colloquial American English, "Cool" is often used as an all-purpose term for approval, but it's less intense than "Awesome." For instance, a stylish outfit might be described as "cool," whereas a breathtaking natural landscape might more appropriately be called "awesome."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
"Cool" can also function as an adverb, adjective, or even a one-word response to news or information ("That's cool"). "Awesome," while generally used as an adjective, is not as versatile in its grammatical functions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
The usage of "Cool" and "Awesome" can also be generational. "Cool" has been in use for several decades and is considered timeless by many. "Awesome," while also not new, might be perceived as more contemporary and is often used to express enthusiasm more explicitly.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meaning Range
Broader (e.g., temperature, composure)
Narrower (e.g., awe-inspiring)
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
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Cool and Awesome Definitions
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Awesome
Overwhelming in a positive way.
The concert was an awesome experience.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Cool
Neither warm nor very cold; moderately cold
Fresh, cool water.
A cool autumn evening.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Marked by indifference, disdain, or dislike; unfriendly or unresponsive
A cool greeting.
Was cool to the idea of higher taxes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Of, relating to, or characteristic of colors, such as blue and green, that produce the impression of coolness.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Awesome
(Slang) Remarkable; outstanding
"a totally awesome arcade game" (Los Angeles Times).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Knowledgeable or aware of the latest trends or developments
Spent all his time trying to be cool.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Awesome
(dated) Causing awe or terror; inspiring wonder or excitement.
The waterfall in the middle of the rainforest was an awesome sight.
The tsunami was awesome in its destructive power.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Excellent; first-rate
Has a cool sports car.
Had a cool time at the party.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Awesome
(colloquial) Excellent, exciting, remarkable.
That was awesome!
Awesome, dude!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Awesome
(slang) nodot=a: the quality, state, or essence of being awesome.
Pure awesome
Made of awesome
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Awesome
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
To make less ardent, intense, or zealous
Problems that soon cooled my enthusiasm for the project.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Composure; poise
"Our release marked a victory. The nation had kept its cool" (Moorhead Kennedy).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Allowing or suggesting heat relief.
Linen has made cool and breathable clothing for millennia.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Of a color, in the range of violet to green.
If you have a reddish complexion, you should mainly wear cool colors.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Applied facetiously to a sum of money, commonly as if to give emphasis to the largeness of the amount.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(informal) Of a person, knowing what to do and how to behave; considered popular by others.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(informal) In fashion and fancy, part of or befitting the most leading trends and habits of the in crowd; originally hipster slang.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(informal) Of an action, all right; acceptable; that does not present a problem.
Is it cool if I sleep here tonight?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(informal) Very interesting or exciting.
I think astronomy is really cool.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(informal) (followed by with) Able to tolerate; to be fine with.
I'm completely cool with my girlfriend leaving me.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(informal) (of a pair of people) holding no grudge against one another; having no beef.
We're cool, right?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
A moderate or refreshing state of cold; moderate temperature of the air between hot and cold; coolness.
In the cool of the morning
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
To lose heat, to get colder.
I like to let my tea cool before drinking it so I don't burn my tongue.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
To become less intense, e.g. less amicable or passionate.
Relations cooled between the USA and the USSR after 1980.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Moderately cold; between warm and cold; lacking in warmth; producing or promoting coolness.
Fanned with cool winds.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Manifesting coldness or dislike; chilling; apathetic; as, a cool manner.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
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
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Apr 29, 2023
Cool
(color) inducing the impression of coolness; used especially of greens and blues and violets;
Cool greens and blues and violets
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Apr 29, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Cool
Used of a number or sum and meaning without exaggeration or qualification;
A cool million bucks
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Apr 29, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
FAQs
What does Awesome mean?
"Awesome" implies something is extremely impressive or awe-inspiring.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Cool timeless in usage?
Yes, "Cool" has been in use for several decades and is often considered timeless.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What does Cool mean?
"Cool" can mean impressive, fashionable, or calm, among other things.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Cool less intense than Awesome?
Yes, "Cool" is generally less intense than "Awesome."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Can Cool be used as an adverb?
Yes, "Cool" can function as an adverb, as in "He handled it coolly."
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Is Awesome a contemporary term?
While not new, "Awesome" is often seen as more contemporary.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Can Cool describe temperature?
Yes, "Cool" can refer to moderate temperature.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Can Awesome describe temperature?
No, "Awesome" is not used to describe temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Can I say "cool" to show I agree?
Yes, "Cool" can be a one-word response to show agreement or approval.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Does Awesome imply composure?
No, "Awesome" is not used to describe composure.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is Cool used globally?
Yes, "Cool" is widely understood and used in many languages.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Can I say "awesome" to show I agree?
While possible, "Awesome" is generally more emphatic and might not be suitable for simple agreement.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
