Remarkable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remarkable

[rɪˈmɑːrkəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

incredible

Worthy of attention; striking. Remarkable achievements can inspire others to strive for greatness. It is something so extraordinary that it stands out from the ordinary.

Synonyms

extraordinary, impressive, noteworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remarkable

Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is unusually good or noteworthy, often surprising or worthy of attention.

  • The progress she has made in such a short time is quite remarkable.
  • He has a remarkable talent for playing the piano.
noteworthy

Use 'noteworthy' to highlight something that is significant or worthy of attention or notice, often in a more formal context.

  • Her contribution to the project is noteworthy.
  • The changes in the company's policy are noteworthy.
extraordinary

Use 'extraordinary' to describe something that is highly unusual or exceptional, often beyond what is normal or expected.

  • She showed extraordinary courage during the crisis.
  • The film gives us an extraordinary look into the life of sea creatures.
impressive

Use 'impressive' to describe something that makes a strong impact or leaves a lasting positive effect on people.

  • The architecture of the building is truly impressive.
  • He gave an impressive speech that moved everyone in the audience.

Examples of usage

  • It's remarkable how quickly she learned to play the piano.
  • The team made a remarkable comeback in the second half of the game.
Context #2 | Adjective

unusual

Uncommon or extraordinary. Something that is remarkable is out of the ordinary or surprising in some way.

Synonyms

astonishing, exceptional, uncommon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remarkable

This word is suitable when something stands out because it is noteworthy or worth mentioning. It does not necessarily imply a high level of surprise.

  • The museum has a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts
  • Her performance was remarkable given the circumstances
exceptional

This word is used when something is much better than usual, often because of high quality or skill. It implies a rare and superior level of achievement.

  • She received an award for her exceptional contributions to science
  • His skills in mathematics are exceptional
uncommon

This term is appropriate when referring to something that is not frequently found or seen. It emphasizes rarity but without the emotional impact of 'astonishing'.

  • It is uncommon to see such a variety of species in one area
  • He has an uncommon ability to solve puzzles
astonishing

Use this when something is so surprising that it almost shocks or amazes people. It is stronger than 'remarkable' and often elicits an emotional response.

  • The magician's trick was truly astonishing
  • It is astonishing how quickly technology evolves

Examples of usage

  • The remarkable sunset painted the sky in vibrant colors.
  • She has a remarkable ability to connect with animals.
Context #3 | Adjective

remarkable achievement

Deserving attention by being outstanding, notable, or extraordinary. A remarkable achievement is one that is impressive and worthy of recognition.

Synonyms

impressive, notable, outstanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remarkable

Use this when something is unusual or worthy of attention due to its distinctiveness.

  • Her recovery from the illness was nothing short of remarkable
outstanding

This word suits situations where something is exceptionally good or much better than average.

  • She was awarded for her outstanding achievements in research
notable

Choose this word when something is worth mentioning or has strong significance.

  • The scientist made notable contributions to the field of genetics
impressive

This fits when something causes admiration due to its quality, skill, or size.

  • The performance by the young pianist was truly impressive

Examples of usage

  • Winning the championship was a remarkable achievement for such a young team.
  • Her remarkable achievement in the field of science earned her international recognition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term appears frequently in storytelling, often highlighting characters or events that are extraordinary, capturing the audience's attention.
  • In popular media, 'remarkable' has been used to describe everything from inventions to performances that have changed the world, like groundbreaking movies or pivotal moments in sports.
  • Remarkable achievements are often celebrated in award shows, showcasing how individuals overcome challenges and excel.

Science

  • Scientific discoveries often start with remarkable observations that lead to breakthroughs, like how penicillin was discovered by noticing contaminated mold.
  • Remarkable adaptations in nature, such as the ability of some animals to survive extreme environments, demonstrate the diversity of life on our planet.
  • In psychology, remarkable resilience is shown by individuals who overcome adversity, often leading to studies on coping mechanisms.

Literature

  • Classic literature is full of remarkable characters, from Odysseus in 'The Odyssey' to Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice', showing how uniqueness drives narrative.
  • Remarkable use of language can create unforgettable lines, as seen in poetry, which often captures emotions in striking ways.
  • Spectrum of diversified viewpoints in literature offers remarkable insights into different cultures and eras, enriching readers' understanding of humanity.

Psychology

  • People often remember remarkable experiences longer than ordinary ones, a phenomenon that studies suggest is due to their emotional impact.
  • Remarkable behaviors, such as acts of kindness, can inspire others, promoting a ripple effect in communities and social groups.
  • Research shows that people are more motivated by remarkable goals, which can lead to greater achievements and fulfillment.

Origin of 'remarkable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle French 'remarquable', which comes from the Latin 'remarcare', meaning to mark again or to notice.
  • It evolved in English during the 17th century when people wanted to describe something that stood out.
  • The prefix 're-' means again, while 'mark' relates to a sign or notable feature, reflecting an emphasis on what is noticeable.

The word 'remarkable' originated from the Latin word 'remarkabilis', which means 'worthy of attention'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'remarkable' has come to signify something extraordinary, outstanding, or worthy of notice. The word has been used in various contexts to describe exceptional achievements, uncommon events, or striking characteristics.


See also: remarkably, unremarkable.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,126, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.