Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Staggering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฒ
Add to dictionary

staggering

[หˆstรฆษกษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

surprising amount

Staggering describes something that is so impressive or shocking that it causes amazement or disbelief. It often refers to quantities or effects that exceed usual expectations.

Synonyms

astonishing, incredible, overwhelming.

Examples of usage

  • The staggering number of attendees exceeded all predictions.
  • She made a staggering amount of money last year.
  • The performance had a staggering impact on the audience.
Context #2 | Verb

to walk unsteadily

To stagger means to walk or move in an unsteady way, often due to a lack of balance. This can occur because of injury, intoxication, or extreme fatigue.

Synonyms

lurch, teeter, wobble.

Examples of usage

  • He staggered down the street after the long hike.
  • She managed to stagger back to her feet after the fall.
  • The injured player staggered off the field.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often experience a 'staggering' reaction to unexpected news, which can trigger the brain's fight-or-flight response, illustrating how surprises affect us physically and emotionally.
  • Staggering statistics in studies tend to lead to a higher engagement, as surprising information can capture attention and provoke deeper thinking.

Pop Culture

  • In music and film, 'staggering' moments are often used to create suspense or surprise, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats.
  • Television dramas often feature staggering plot twists that leave viewers gasping, changing the course of the storyline unexpectedly.

Literature

  • Authors frequently utilize 'staggering' imagery to evoke strong emotions in readers, pushing them to feel astonishment or shock.
  • Classic literature often contains staggering revelations about characters that can change the readerโ€™s perception entirely, ensuring a memorable reading experience.

Science

  • In scientific studies, staggering discoveries, such as the vastness of space or the complexity of DNA, frequently challenge existing beliefs and prompt new research.
  • Staggering data sets can highlight significant trends or anomalies that lead to groundbreaking theories.

Origin of 'staggering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'stagian', which means to walk unsteadily or to sway, hinting at its connection to the way we might react to shocking news.
  • In the 18th century, 'staggering' began to evolve more broadly in meaning, moving from just describing physical unsteadiness to conveying emotional or intellectual surprise.

The word 'staggering' is derived from the verb 'stagger,' which has its roots in the Old Norse word 'stakra,' meaning to stagger or sway. The use of 'stagger' in English can be traced back to the 14th century, originally referring to unsteady walking. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not just physical instability but also figurative meanings of being overwhelmed or shocked. By the late 19th century, 'staggering' began to be used commonly as an adjective to describe amounts or effects that were difficult to comprehend due to their magnitude. This transition reflects cultural changes in how people perceive extraordinary events, leading to the modern usage where 'staggering' conveys something both remarkable and hard to believe.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,557, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.