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Stunning: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：breathtakingly beautiful (stunning)
stunning
/ˈstʌnɪŋ/
adj.
Used to describe something or someone that is so beautiful or impressive that it surprises you.
breathtakingly beautiful
➕
/ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋli ˈbjuːtɪfəl/
adj.
Describes something or someone so beautiful or impressive that it leaves you momentarily speechless.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'stun' (from Old French estoner, to shock) + '-ing' (adjective suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a 'stun' grenade that freezes you in awe—'stunning' is that moment of silent wonder.
📖 Example
My friend just moved into a new apartment, and she said, 'Wait until you see the view from the balcony - it's stunning!'
My friend just moved into a new apartment, and she said, 'Wait until you see the view from the balcony - it's stunning!'
🔗 Collocations
stunning view – A view that is extremely beautiful.
stunning beauty – Beauty that is overwhelming.
stunning dress – A dress that is exceptionally attractive.
🔄 Synonyms
gorgeous (adj.) – Very beautiful and attractive.
breathtaking (adj.) – So beautiful it takes your breath away.
magnificent (adj.) – Extremely impressive and beautiful.
🚫 Antonyms
ugly (adj.) – Unpleasant to look at.
plain (adj.) – Ordinary, not remarkable.
unimpressive (adj.) – Not making you feel admiration.
🌱 Derivatives
stunningly (adv.) – In a stunning manner.
stunned (adj.) – Shocked or surprised.
stunner (n.) – A person or thing that is stunning.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Old French 'estoner' meaning 'to stun', from Latin 'extonare' (to strike with thunder). Often used in modern English for breathtaking beauty or shocking outcomes.
Meaning 2：shockingly impressive (stunning)
stunning
/ˈstʌnɪŋ/
adj.
Describes an effect or result that is so powerful it shocks or surprises people.
shockingly impressive
➕
/ˈʃɒkɪŋli ɪmˈpresɪv/
adj.
Describes an outcome or effect that is so powerful it surprises and shocks people.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The underdog team pulled off a stunning victory in the final seconds of the championship game.
The underdog team pulled off a stunning victory in the final seconds of the championship game.
🔗 Collocations
stunning victory – An unexpected and impressive win.
stunning defeat – A surprising and complete loss.
stunning effect – A powerful and shocking result.
🔄 Synonyms
astonishing (adj.) – Extremely surprising.
shocking (adj.) – Causing surprise or horror.
startling (adj.) – Very surprising or alarming.
🚫 Antonyms
predictable (adj.) – Expected; not surprising.
unsurprising (adj.) – Not causing surprise.
ordinary (adj.) – Normal; not special.
🌱 Derivatives
stunningly (adv.) – In a stunning manner.
stunned (adj.) – Shocked or surprised.
stunner (n.) – A person or thing that is stunning.
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