Reading Theme:
Sensational: Definition, Usage & Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：exceptionally impressive (sensational)
sensational
/sɛnˈseɪʃənəl/
adj.
means something is extremely good and impressive, like a perfect performance.
exceptionally impressive
➕
/ɪkˈsɛpʃənəli ɪmˈprɛsɪv/
adj.
Describes something so extraordinarily good, skillful, or exciting that it causes great admiration and strong positive feelings.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From noun 'sensation' (a strong feeling or reaction) + suffix '-al', forming an adjective meaning 'of or causing sensation'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a SENSational singer causing a national SENSation with their amazing voice!
📖 Example
The dancer's sensational moves during the final performance earned her a standing ovation.
Her extraordinarily impressive dance moves in the final act resulted in the entire audience rising to applaud.
🔗 Collocations
sensational performance – an extraordinarily impressive act or show
sensational victory – an amazingly impressive win
sensational talent – exceptionally impressive natural ability
🔄 Synonyms
spectacular (adj.) – very impressive to look at
amazing (adj.) – causing great surprise or wonder
breathtaking (adj.) – extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising
🚫 Antonyms
mediocre (adj.) – of only moderate quality; not very good
unimpressive (adj.) – not able to evoke admiration or interest
🌱 Derivatives
sensationally (adv.) – in an exceptionally impressive or exaggerated manner
sensationalize (v.) – to present information in a way that provokes public interest and excitement, especially by exaggerating
📖 Cultural Story
Gained its modern meanings, especially the negative one (exaggerated), in the context of 19th-century 'yellow journalism' in British and American newspapers, which used shocking stories to boost sales.
Meaning 2：shocking and exciting (sensational)
sensational
/sɛnˈseɪʃənəl/
adj.
describes something (like news or an event) that is so surprising or exciting that it gets everyone talking.
shocking and exciting
➕
/ˈʃɑkɪŋ ənd ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
adj.
Describes news, events, or discoveries that are so surprising, remarkable, or thrilling that they capture widespread public attention and cause a stir.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The discovery of the ancient city buried under sand was sensational news for archaeologists worldwide.
The find of the buried city was shocking and exciting information that captivated the global archaeology community.
🔗 Collocations
sensational news – shocking and exciting information that spreads quickly
sensational discovery – a find that is both remarkable and thrilling
sensational headline – a shocking and exciting title designed to grab attention
🔄 Synonyms
shocking (adj.) – causing a sudden feeling of surprise and upset
stunning (adj.) – so surprising it leaves one unable to think clearly
jaw-dropping (adj.) – extremely surprising or impressive
Meaning 3：exaggerated and lurid (sensational)
sensational
/sɛnˈseɪʃənəl/
adj.
describes a way of presenting news or stories that exaggerates details to create shock and excitement, often not very accurate.
exaggerated and lurid
➕
/ɪɡˈzædʒəˌreɪtɪd ənd ˈlʊrɪd/
adj.
Describes a style of presenting information (especially in media) that deliberately exaggerates, emphasizes shocking details, or distorts facts to provoke strong public reaction and attract attention.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The article used a sensational headline just to get more clicks, but the actual content was quite ordinary.
The online story featured an exaggerated and lurid title solely to attract readers, while the text itself was mundane.
🔗 Collocations
sensational journalism – the practice of using exaggerated or lurid stories in news reporting
sensational reporting – the act of presenting news in an exaggerated and shocking way
sensational story – a narrative that is exaggerated to provoke excitement or shock
🔄 Synonyms
lurid (adj.) – presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms
melodramatic (adj.) – characterized by exaggerated emotions or exciting events
overblown (adj.) – exaggerated or inflated beyond the truth
🚫 Antonyms
factual (adj.) – concerned with what is actually the case; accurate
restrained (adj.) – characterized by reserve or moderation; not exaggerated
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