In 15 Seconds
- Refers to cold weather or low heat settings on appliances.
- More formal and precise than simply saying the word 'cold'.
- Used in weather reports, cooking, science, and everyday health talk.
Meaning
This phrase describes when it is cold outside or when a machine is set to a low heat level. It simply means the air or an object lacks warmth.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the weather with a friend
The forecast says we will have a very low temperature tonight.
The forecast says we will have a very low temperature tonight.
Giving laundry advice
You should wash that silk shirt at a low temperature.
You should wash that silk shirt at a low temperature.
A doctor talking to a patient
Your body is maintaining a dangerously low temperature.
Your body is maintaining a dangerously low temperature.
Cultural Background
Americans use Fahrenheit. A 'low temperature' of 30 is freezing, whereas in Europe, 30 is a heatwave. Scientists use Kelvin. A 'low temperature' in a lab might be 4 Kelvin, which is almost absolute zero. The British often talk about the weather. Using 'low temperature' in small talk is very common and polite. In these cold climates, 'low' has a different threshold. -10°C might be considered 'mild' rather than 'low'.
Precision is Key
Use 'low temperature' in emails or reports to sound more objective than 'cold'.
Adjective Order
If you use it before a noun, use a hyphen: 'low-temperature storage'.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to cold weather or low heat settings on appliances.
- More formal and precise than simply saying the word 'cold'.
- Used in weather reports, cooking, science, and everyday health talk.
What It Means
Low temperature is a very straightforward way to say it is cold. It refers to the measurement of heat. If the numbers on a thermometer are small, you have a low temperature. It is not just about the weather. You use it for ovens, refrigerators, and even human bodies. It is the opposite of a high temperature.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a noun. Usually, you put it after 'a' or 'the'. For example, 'The fridge is at a low temperature.' You can also use it to describe a setting. If you are washing delicate clothes, you use a low temperature cycle. It sounds a bit more scientific than just saying 'cold'. It is precise and clear.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be specific. It is great for weather reports or cooking instructions. If you are talking to a doctor about a fever, this phrase is perfect. Use it when texting a friend about the freezing morning air. It works well in professional emails about shipping sensitive items. It is a very safe, all-purpose phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to describe a person's personality. If someone is mean, do not say they have a low temperature. Use 'cold-hearted' instead. Also, do not use it for food you are about to eat. If your soup is not hot, just say it is 'cold' or 'lukewarm'. Saying your soup has a low temperature sounds like you are a robot at dinner.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about the weather is a national hobby. Using terms like low temperature makes you sound informed. In the UK or Canada, people obsess over these numbers during winter. It is a common 'icebreaker' conversation. Science and health news often use this phrase to sound authoritative. It became very popular with the rise of digital thermostats in homes.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 'dropping temperatures' when it gets colder. Some might say 'sub-zero temperatures' if it is freezing. In casual talk, people often swap it for 'chilly' or 'freezing'. However, low temperature remains the standard for technical or formal settings. It is the 'reliable old friend' of English weather vocabulary.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation. It is safe for all settings. Just remember to use 'low' and never 'small' or 'weak' when describing temperature.
Precision is Key
Use 'low temperature' in emails or reports to sound more objective than 'cold'.
Adjective Order
If you use it before a noun, use a hyphen: 'low-temperature storage'.
Examples
6The forecast says we will have a very low temperature tonight.
The forecast says we will have a very low temperature tonight.
Used here to predict cold weather.
You should wash that silk shirt at a low temperature.
You should wash that silk shirt at a low temperature.
Refers to the setting on a washing machine.
Your body is maintaining a dangerously low temperature.
Your body is maintaining a dangerously low temperature.
A formal medical observation about hypothermia.
My heater is broken and it's a record low temperature in here!
My heater is broken and it's a record low temperature in here!
Using 'record low' for emphasis and a bit of drama.
I tried to bake the cake at a low temperature for ten hours, but it's still soup.
I tried to bake the cake at a low temperature for ten hours, but it's still soup.
Humorous use regarding a cooking mistake.
The equipment failed because of the unexpectedly low temperature in the lab.
The equipment failed because of the unexpectedly low temperature in the lab.
Formal explanation for a technical problem.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the weather report.
The ______ temperature tonight will drop to freezing levels.
We use 'low' to describe a small amount of temperature on a scale.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a professional setting?
How should you describe the cold office?
Temperature is described as 'high' or 'low', not 'cold'.
Complete the dialogue between a chef and a student.
Chef: 'Don't burn the chocolate!' Student: 'Don't worry, I'm melting it at a ______ ______.'
In cooking, 'low temperature' is the standard way to describe gentle heat.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Temperature vs. Feeling
Practice Bank
3 exercisesThe ______ temperature tonight will drop to freezing levels.
We use 'low' to describe a small amount of temperature on a scale.
How should you describe the cold office?
Temperature is described as 'high' or 'low', not 'cold'.
Chef: 'Don't burn the chocolate!' Student: 'Don't worry, I'm melting it at a ______ ______.'
In cooking, 'low temperature' is the standard way to describe gentle heat.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is more formal than 'cold' and is preferred in scientific, medical, and professional contexts.
No, that is a common mistake. Say 'the temperature is low' or 'the weather is cold'.
'Low heat' is usually for a stove burner, while 'low temperature' is for an oven or the atmosphere.
Related Phrases
room temperature
similarThe normal temperature of a room (about 20°C).
high temperature
contrastWhen it is very hot.
absolute zero
specialized formThe lowest possible temperature.
