Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Stunning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜
Add to dictionary

stunning

[หˆstสŒnษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing appearance

Extremely impressive or attractive

Synonyms

beautiful, breathtaking, dazzling, gorgeous, striking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stunning

Used to describe something or someone that causes astonishment or leaves people speechless due to its exceptional beauty or attractiveness.

  • Her red dress was absolutely stunning and turned heads at the party.
  • The view from the mountain top was simply stunning.
breathtaking

Used to describe something so magnificent or awe-inspiring that it takes your breath away.

  • The Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views.
  • Her performance was absolutely breathtaking.
striking

Used to emphasize the notable or extraordinary characteristics of someone or something, often suggesting that it stands out in comparison to others.

  • He has striking blue eyes.
  • The painting has a striking use of colors.
dazzling

Highlights something or someone that is very bright, impressive, or brilliant, often causing temporary blindness or overwhelming admiration.

  • The fireworks display was dazzling.
  • She wore a dazzling tiara.
gorgeous

Describes someone or something that is extremely attractive or beautiful.

  • You look gorgeous in that dress!
  • The sunset was absolutely gorgeous.
beautiful

A general and versatile term to describe someone or something that is pleasing and attractive.

  • She has a beautiful smile.
  • The garden looks beautiful in the spring.

Examples of usage

  • The view from the top of the mountain was stunning.
  • She looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress.
Context #2 | Verb

describing the effect on someone

To shock or greatly surprise someone

Synonyms

amaze, astonish, shock, stupefy, surprise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stunning

This word is typically used to describe something or someone that is extremely beautiful or impressive. It is used in a positive context.

  • The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning.
  • She wore a stunning dress to the party.
shock

This word is used for something that causes a sudden and often disturbing impression due to an unexpected event. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The news of the accident came as a shock to everyone.
  • She was shocked to find out that her friend had lied to her.
surprise

This word is versatile and can be used in a variety of situations where an unexpected event or information causes a feeling of wonder or curiosity. It can be positive, negative, or neutral.

  • They planned a surprise party for his birthday.
  • Her sudden visit surprised us all.
astonish

This word is used to describe a feeling of great surprise or amazement, often in response to something unique or unexpected.

  • He was astonished by the news of his promotion.
  • The speed at which technology is advancing astonishes me.
amaze

Use this word when you want to express a strong feeling of wonder or surprise caused by something remarkable.

  • The magician's tricks never fail to amaze the audience.
  • Her ability to solve complex problems quickly amazes everyone.
stupefy

This word is used to describe a state where someone is so shocked or surprised that they are unable to think or react. It has a stronger and often negative connotation compared to other synonyms.

  • The long hours and intense work started to stupefy the employees.
  • He was stupefied by the amount of money he had won in the lottery.

Examples of usage

  • The news of his resignation stunned the entire office.
  • The unexpected win stunned the audience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion and Art

  • In the fashion world, a stunning outfit can often be a showstopper on runways, grabbing attention instantly.
  • Art pieces described as stunning often provoke visceral emotional reactions, altering the viewerโ€™s perception of beauty.
  • Stunning beauty in a piece of artwork can lead to discussions on aesthetics, culture, and personal taste.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that beauty can trigger dopamine release in the brain, which accounts for feelings of amazement.
  • Stunning images have been shown to capture attention more effectively, leading to better memory retention.
  • The concept of beauty attractiveness can vary greatly between cultures, influencing what is considered 'stunning' in different societies.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies use the term 'stunning' to describe characters or scenes that leave a lasting impression on the audience.
  • In social media, people often use 'stunning' as a compliment when sharing breathtaking photos of landscapes or portraits.
  • Famous quotes about beauty often reflect the stunning nature of love and life, emphasizing deep connections.

Nature

  • Nature frequently displays stunning scenery, such as mountains, oceans, and forests, that inspire awe and wonder.
  • Stunning animals, like the peacock with its iridescent feathers, exemplify beauty in the animal kingdom.
  • Certain natural phenomena, like a rainbow or the Northern Lights, are labeled stunning due to their rarity and beauty.

Origin of 'stunning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stunning' comes from the Middle English word 'stunen,' which means to make someone unable to think clearly, often from surprise.
  • Originally, 'stun' referred to physical shock or a state of being unable to move, and over time it evolved to describe beauty.
  • In literary use, 'stunning' has been linked to dramatic moments that leave characters and readers in awe.

The word 'stunning' originated from the Middle English word 'stounen' which means 'to strike'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'causing someone to be struck with awe'. The modern usage of 'stunning' dates back to the 17th century, where it began to be used to describe something extremely impressive or attractive.

See also: stun, stunned, stunner, stunningly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,813, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.