Suddenly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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suddenly
[ˈsʌdənli ]
Definitions
out of the blue
Happening or done without warning or in a very short time; unexpectedly.
Synonyms
abruptly, all of a sudden, unexpectedly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suddenly |
Use this word when something happens very quickly and unexpectedly, usually without any warning.
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| unexpectedly |
This word is used when something happens that was not predicted or foreseen. It can be both positive and negative.
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| abruptly |
This word is suitable for situations where something happens quickly and unexpectedly, often in a rude or curt manner. It can carry a negative connotation.
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| all of a sudden |
This phrase is used in casual or conversational English to describe something happening very quickly and without warning.
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Examples of usage
- She suddenly felt a sharp pain in her back.
- Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence in the room.
surprising
Used to emphasize the unexpectedness of an event.
Synonyms
abrupt, surprising, unexpected.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suddenly |
Used when something happens quickly and without warning.
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| unexpected |
Used when something happens that was not anticipated, which can be neutral or negative.
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| surprising |
Used when something happens that causes surprise, often in a positive or neutral way.
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| abrupt |
Used when something happens very quickly and may seem rude or shocking; often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The sudden change in weather caught us off guard.
- He made a sudden decision to quit his job and travel the world.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Writers often use 'suddenly' to create dramatic tension or surprise in stories.
- In many classic tales, a sudden event often changes the course of the protagonist's journey.
- Authors like Edgar Allan Poe frequently employed sudden twists to evoke fear and suspense.
Psychology
- The human brain processes sudden events differently, often causing heightened emotional reactions.
- Unexpected occurrences can trigger the fight-or-flight response, affecting our decisions.
- Researchers note that people often remember sudden changes more vividly than gradual ones, which is linked to how our brain prioritizes memory.
Pop Culture
- 'Suddenly' has been featured in songs, like the classic by Billy Ocean, which explores themes of surprise in love.
- In popular films, sudden plot twists are a common device to keep audiences engaged and on their toes.
- Memes often play on sudden reveals for comedic effect, highlighting unexpected punches in humor.
Technology
- In the tech world, 'sudden' failures, such as system crashes, can lead to significant data loss, emphasizing the need for backups.
- Sudden updates in software can catch users off guard, sometimes causing confusion or frustration.
- The concept of 'sudden' change is vital in tech adoption rates, where innovations can sweep the market unexpectedly.
Origin of 'suddenly'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'sodeyn', meaning 'unexpected' or 'abrupt'.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'soudain', which also means 'sudden'.
- Related Latin words include 'subitus', meaning 'sudden, unexpected'.
The word 'suddenly' comes from the Middle English word 'sodeinli', which is derived from the Old French word 'sodain'. Its usage can be traced back to the 14th century. Over time, 'suddenly' has become a common adverb used to describe actions or events that occur quickly and unexpectedly.
See also: suddenness.