Cool MateChill out vs Let's not be so sensitive
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chill out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Let's not be so sensitive
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: Let's not be so sensitiveMost common: Chill out
| Chill out | Let's not be so sensitive | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tʃɪl aʊt//🇺🇸 //tʃɪl aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //lɛts nɒt biː səʊ ˈsɛnsɪtɪv//🇺🇸 //lɛts nɑt bi soʊ ˈsɛnsɪtɪv// |
| Meaning | Calm down and relax. | Don't take things too personally. |
| Example | You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. | I was just joking, let's not be so sensitive. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | chill out time, chill out period, chill out zone | be sensitive, take things personally, avoid overreacting |
| Antonyms | - | insensitive, unfeeling, thick-skinned |
| Common mistakes | 'Chill out' is often confused with 'cool off', but the meanings can slightly differ., Some learners use 'chill out' in a serious context, which may sound inappropriate., Using 'chill out' as a command can come off as rude. | Used in a sarcastic tone, which may cause offense., Misunderstood as a dismissive comment., Confused with 'let's be sensitive' which means the opposite. |
| Usage notes | Use 'chill out' in casual conversations to suggest someone should relax. Avoid in formal contexts. | Use when suggesting someone should lighten up. Neutral context; avoid in formal discussions or sensitive topics. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chill out vs Let's not be so sensitive
What's the difference between Chill out and Let's not be so sensitive?
Chill out: Calm down and relax. Let's not be so sensitive: Don't take things too personally.
Which is more formal: Chill out and Let's not be so sensitive?
Let's not be so sensitive is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Chill out and Let's not be so sensitive?
Chill out is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Chill out: You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. Let's not be so sensitive: I was just joking, let's not be so sensitive.
Can I use Chill out and Let's not be so sensitive interchangeably?
Not always. Chill out and Let's not be so sensitive are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.