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Staggering: meaning, definitions and examples

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staggering

 

[ ˈstæɡərɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
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

Translations of the word "staggering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impressionante

🇮🇳 अचंभित करने वाला

🇩🇪 erstaunlich

🇮🇩 menakjubkan

🇺🇦 вражаючий

🇵🇱 zdumiewający

🇯🇵 驚くべき

🇫🇷 stupéfiant

🇪🇸 asombroso

🇹🇷 şok edici

🇰🇷 경이로운

🇸🇦 مذهل

🇨🇿 ohromující

🇸🇰 ohromujúci

🇨🇳 惊人的

🇸🇮 osupljiv

🇮🇸 ótrúlegt

🇰🇿 таңғажайып

🇬🇪 საოცარი

🇦🇿 şok edici

🇲🇽 asombroso

Etymology

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.