fabulous
fabulous in 30 Sekunden
- Fabulous is a strong adjective meaning extremely good or impressive, often used to show high enthusiasm.
- It comes from the word 'fable,' originally meaning something so good it seems like a myth or story.
- It is commonly used to describe fashion, travel, food, and social events in a positive, stylish way.
- Avoid using 'very' with fabulous; instead, use 'absolutely' or 'simply' for extra emphasis.
The word fabulous is a high-energy adjective used to describe something that is exceptionally good, beautiful, or impressive. While its modern usage is almost entirely positive, its history is rooted in the world of storytelling and myth. When you call a meal, a performance, or a person 'fabulous,' you are suggesting that they are so wonderful they almost seem like something out of a storybook or a legend. In contemporary English, it serves as a powerful synonym for 'excellent' or 'wonderful,' but with an added layer of style and enthusiasm. It is a word that carries a certain 'flair,' often associated with fashion, travel, and high-quality experiences. People use it when 'good' or 'great' simply isn't enough to convey their level of admiration.
- Semantic Range
- The term covers everything from physical appearance (a fabulous dress) to abstract quality (a fabulous idea) and even legendary status (fabulous wealth).
The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset was absolutely fabulous.
In social settings, 'fabulous' is often used to give high praise. It is particularly common in the worlds of art, design, and entertainment. However, it is also a staple of everyday conversation when someone wants to express genuine excitement. For example, if a friend tells you they got a promotion, responding with 'That’s fabulous!' shows a high level of support and joy. It is more emotive than 'That's nice' and more sophisticated than 'That's awesome.' The word also has a specific history in the LGBTQ+ community and the fashion industry, where it often describes a sense of bold, unapologetic style and excellence. It is important to note that because the word is so strong, using it for something mundane might come across as sarcastic or hyperbolic, though this is usually clear from the speaker's tone.
- Historical Context
- Derived from the Latin 'fabulosus,' meaning 'celebrated in fable.' In the 15th century, it literally meant 'legendary' or 'mythical.'
She looked fabulous in her vintage gown at the gala.
Furthermore, 'fabulous' can be used to describe quantities, particularly 'fabulous wealth' or 'fabulous riches.' In this context, it harks back to its original meaning of being 'beyond belief' or 'like a story.' If someone has fabulous wealth, they are so rich it seems unreal. This usage is more formal and less common in casual speech than the 'excellent' meaning. When using the word, consider the intensity you want to convey. It is a 'non-gradable' adjective in many contexts, meaning you usually don't say 'very fabulous' (though people do for emphasis); instead, you might say 'absolutely fabulous' or 'simply fabulous.' This makes it a powerful tool for adding color to your descriptions and making your speech sound more vibrant and engaged.
We had a fabulous time at the beach last weekend.
- Social Register
- While acceptable in most settings, it is slightly more informal and expressive than 'excellent.' In a strictly academic paper, you might prefer 'extraordinary' or 'exceptional.'
The chef prepared a fabulous five-course meal for the guests.
The city is known for its fabulous architecture and history.
Using fabulous correctly involves understanding its role as an attributive and predicative adjective. As an attributive adjective, it comes before the noun it describes: 'a fabulous party,' 'a fabulous career,' 'a fabulous sunset.' In this position, it provides immediate color and emphasis to the noun. As a predicative adjective, it follows a linking verb like 'be,' 'seem,' or 'look': 'The party was fabulous,' 'You look fabulous,' 'The idea seems fabulous.' Both uses are extremely common and interchangeable in terms of meaning, though the predicative use often feels more like a direct exclamation of praise.
- Common Collocations
- Fabulous often pairs with: weather, opportunity, news, wealth, collection, and performance.
The museum has a fabulous collection of modern art.
One of the key aspects of using 'fabulous' is choosing the right intensifier. Because 'fabulous' is already an extreme adjective (meaning 'very good'), we don't usually use 'very' with it. Instead, we use 'absolutely,' 'simply,' 'truly,' or 'utterly.' Saying 'It was very fabulous' sounds slightly awkward to a native speaker, whereas 'It was absolutely fabulous' sounds natural and emphatic. This is a common feature of 'limit' or 'extreme' adjectives in English. Furthermore, 'fabulous' can be used in the comparative and superlative forms ('more fabulous,' 'most fabulous'), though these are less common than the base form because the word itself already implies a high degree of excellence.
- Negative Usage
- While rare, 'fabulous' can be used ironically to mean the opposite. 'Oh, fabulous, I've lost my keys,' said with a sigh, indicates frustration.
The weather in Greece was fabulous throughout our entire stay.
In terms of sentence structure, 'fabulous' is often used in exclamatory sentences. 'What a fabulous idea!' or 'How fabulous!' are common ways to react to good news. It is also frequently used in the structure 'It is fabulous that...' followed by a clause: 'It is fabulous that you were able to join us tonight.' This structure allows the speaker to express their positive evaluation of a whole situation or event. In more formal writing, you might see 'fabulous' used to describe the legendary origins of something, such as 'the fabulous beasts of Greek mythology,' though this is a distinct, more literal sense of the word that is less common in daily life.
You've done a fabulous job on the presentation; the board was impressed.
- Sentence Patterns
- [Subject] + [Linking Verb] + fabulous. / [Determiner] + fabulous + [Noun].
The orchestra gave a fabulous performance of the symphony.
I think it's fabulous that you're learning a third language.
You will encounter fabulous in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from casual coffee shop chats to high-end marketing. One of the most common places is in lifestyle and travel media. Travel bloggers and journalists frequently use 'fabulous' to describe luxury hotels, exotic destinations, and breathtaking scenery. In this context, the word helps to sell an aspirational lifestyle. Similarly, in the fashion industry, 'fabulous' is a go-to word for designers, models, and critics. It describes a look that is not just good, but transformative and stylish. If you watch fashion reality shows or read magazines like Vogue, you will hear this word used constantly to praise creativity and aesthetics.
- Entertainment Media
- Commonly heard in talk shows, red carpet interviews, and reality TV competitions to describe performances or outfits.
The host exclaimed, 'You look fabulous tonight!' as the actress walked onto the stage.
Another major arena for 'fabulous' is social media. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, users tag their photos with #fabulous to highlight special moments, beautiful outfits, or impressive meals. It serves as a quick, universally understood signal of high quality and personal satisfaction. In everyday conversation, 'fabulous' is often used by people who want to project a positive, energetic, and slightly sophisticated persona. It is a favorite among people who enjoy expressing enthusiasm. For instance, in a restaurant, a diner might tell the waiter, 'The dessert was fabulous,' as a way of giving a tip-top review. It’s also common in the workplace during 'soft' interactions, such as praising a colleague's idea or a successful team event.
- Marketing & Advertising
- Used to describe products that promise a better lifestyle, such as 'fabulous hair' or 'fabulous savings.'
The advertisement promised a fabulous getaway for two in the Caribbean.
In literature and storytelling, you might still find the older, more literal use of 'fabulous.' Authors writing about mythology or folklore might refer to 'fabulous creatures' like unicorns or dragons. In this sense, it means 'existing only in fables.' While this is less common in speech, it’s important for readers of fantasy or historical fiction to recognize. Finally, in the UK and some other English-speaking regions, 'fabulous' (often shortened to 'fab') was famously associated with the 1960s and 'The Fab Four' (The Beatles). This cultural connection gave the word a youthful, cool edge that still lingers today, making it a versatile word that bridges the gap between classic elegance and modern trendiness.
The novel is filled with fabulous tales of ancient kings and magic.
- Regional Variations
- In British English, 'fab' is a very common casual abbreviation. In American English, the full word 'fabulous' is more frequently used for emphasis.
We had a fabulous dinner at that new Italian place downtown.
The results of the charity auction were truly fabulous.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with fabulous is overusing it in inappropriate contexts. Because it is a high-intensity word, using it for small or mundane things can sound strange. For example, describing a stapler as 'fabulous' might seem like a joke unless the stapler is truly extraordinary in design. Another common error is confusing 'fabulous' with 'famous.' While they sound somewhat similar, 'famous' means well-known, whereas 'fabulous' means excellent or legendary. You can be a famous actor who is not particularly fabulous, or a fabulous cook who is not at all famous. Mixing these up can lead to significant confusion in meaning.
- Grammatical Pitfall
- Avoid saying 'more fabulouser' or 'most fabulousest.' These are incorrect. Use 'more fabulous' or 'most fabulous' if you must compare.
Incorrect: He is a fabulous singer known by everyone. (Better: He is a famous singer...)
Another mistake involves the use of intensifiers. As mentioned before, 'fabulous' is a non-gradable adjective. This means it already contains the idea of 'very.' Therefore, saying 'very fabulous' is technically redundant and often sounds 'off' to native ears. Instead, use 'absolutely' or 'simply.' Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the spelling, often forgetting the 'u' or the 'ous' ending. Remembering that it comes from 'fable' can help with the first part of the word. Another subtle mistake is using 'fabulous' in a very formal academic or technical report. In these settings, 'fabulous' can seem too emotional or subjective. Words like 'significant,' 'exceptional,' or 'noteworthy' are usually better choices for professional documentation.
- Pronunciation Error
- Don't stress the second syllable. The stress is on the first: FAB-u-lous (/ˈfæbjələs/).
Incorrect: It was a fabulous mistake. (Better: It was a huge/terrible mistake. 'Fabulous' is almost always positive.)
Lastly, be careful with the word's gender associations. While 'fabulous' is used by everyone, it is sometimes stereotypically associated with more feminine or flamboyant speech patterns. In very traditional or conservative male-dominated environments, some men might opt for 'great' or 'excellent' instead, though this is changing rapidly in modern English. Understanding the social 'flavor' of the word helps you use it more effectively. Also, ensure you don't confuse the adverb 'fabulously' with the adjective. You can be 'fabulously wealthy' (adverb + adjective), but you have a 'fabulous life' (adjective + noun). Misplacing these parts of speech is a common hurdle for B1-level learners.
The party was fabulous, but the music was a bit too loud.
- Spelling Check
- F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. Note the 'u' after the 'b' and the 'ou' before the 's'.
She gave a fabulous speech that inspired the whole team.
The new garden looks fabulous now that the flowers are in bloom.
To truly master fabulous, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms. While 'great' and 'wonderful' are common alternatives, they lack the specific 'sparkle' that 'fabulous' provides. 'Great' is very general and can be used for almost anything. 'Wonderful' suggests a sense of wonder or amazement. 'Fabulous,' on the other hand, often implies a sense of style, luxury, or legendary quality. For example, a 'wonderful day' might be peaceful and happy, but a 'fabulous day' sounds like it was filled with exciting, high-quality events. Other close synonyms include 'marvelous,' 'splendid,' 'superb,' and 'terrific.' Each of these carries a slightly different nuance and register.
- Fabulous vs. Superb
- 'Superb' is more formal and often used for technical quality or skill (a superb performance). 'Fabulous' is more emotive and social.
The hotel offered fabulous views of the coastline.
In the realm of informal English, 'awesome' and 'amazing' are the most frequent competitors for 'fabulous.' 'Awesome' is very common in American English and often used by younger speakers for anything positive. 'Amazing' is perhaps the most overused adjective in modern English, used for everything from a good sandwich to a life-changing event. 'Fabulous' stands out because it feels a bit more curated and sophisticated. If you want to describe something that is not just good but also elegant or impressive in a 'larger-than-life' way, 'fabulous' is your best choice. In British English, 'brilliant' is a very common synonym that covers much of the same ground but feels more grounded and less 'glamorous' than 'fabulous.'
- Formal Alternatives
- Exceptional, extraordinary, outstanding, exemplary, noteworthy.
It was a fabulous opportunity to meet the industry leaders.
When looking for antonyms, 'ordinary' or 'mediocre' are the most accurate. If something isn't fabulous, it's just 'average.' More extreme opposites would be 'terrible,' 'awful,' or 'dreadful.' In the context of the word's original meaning (mythical), the opposite would be 'factual' or 'historical.' Understanding these contrasts helps to pin down exactly what 'fabulous' conveys: it is the opposite of the mundane. It is the 'extra' in 'extraordinary.' By choosing 'fabulous' over a simpler word like 'good,' you are telling your listener that the experience was memorable and far above the standard. This makes it an essential word for anyone looking to add more descriptive power and emotional range to their English vocabulary.
The actress wore a fabulous necklace made of rare diamonds.
- Register Comparison
- Slang: Sick, Lit, Fire. Informal: Awesome, Amazing. Neutral: Great, Wonderful. Formal: Exceptional, Superb.
The holiday was fabulous, but it's good to be home.
The new library is a fabulous resource for the community.
How Formal Is It?
""
""
""
""
""
Wusstest du?
The modern meaning of 'excellent' only became popular in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1940s and 50s.
Aussprachehilfe
- Stressing the second syllable (fa-BU-lous).
- Pronouncing the 'ous' as 'ouse' (like house).
- Omitting the 'u' sound (fab-lous).
- Confusing the 'a' sound with 'ah' (fah-bulous).
- Over-enunciating the 'u' (fab-YOU-lous).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize in context but has a historical meaning that might confuse advanced readers.
Spelling can be tricky, and knowing which intensifiers to use requires practice.
Very common in speech; the main challenge is using it with the right level of enthusiasm.
Usually clear, though the short form 'fab' is common in British English.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Non-gradable adjectives
Use 'absolutely fabulous' instead of 'very fabulous'.
Adjective order
Opinion comes first: 'A fabulous (opinion) long (size) silk (material) scarf'.
Adverb formation
Add -ly to the adjective: 'She is fabulously talented'.
Linking verbs
Use after verbs like look, feel, seem: 'The plan seems fabulous'.
Exclamatory sentences
Start with 'What a...' or 'How...': 'What a fabulous surprise!'
Beispiele nach Niveau
The cake is fabulous!
Le gâteau est fabuleux !
Simple subject + is + adjective.
I have a fabulous dog.
J'ai un chien fabuleux.
Adjective before the noun.
Your house is fabulous.
Ta maison est fabuleuse.
Possessive adjective + noun + is + adjective.
We had a fabulous day.
Nous avons passé une journée fabuleuse.
Past tense 'had' with adjective + noun.
She is a fabulous teacher.
C'est une enseignante fabuleuse.
Article 'a' + adjective + noun.
This movie is fabulous.
Ce film est fabuleux.
Demonstrative 'this' + noun + is + adjective.
You look fabulous today!
Tu es superbe aujourd'hui !
Linking verb 'look' + adjective.
The flowers are fabulous.
Les fleurs sont fabuleuses.
Plural subject + are + adjective.
We stayed in a fabulous hotel by the sea.
Nous avons séjourné dans un hôtel fabuleux au bord de la mer.
Prepositional phrase 'by the sea' adds detail.
The weather was fabulous during our holiday.
Le temps était fabuleux pendant nos vacances.
Past tense 'was' used for description.
She bought a fabulous new dress for the party.
Elle a acheté une nouvelle robe fabuleuse pour la fête.
Two adjectives (fabulous new) before the noun.
That was a fabulous meal, thank you!
C'était un repas fabuleux, merci !
Exclamatory use of 'that was'.
He is a fabulous singer and dancer.
C'est un chanteur et danseur fabuleux.
Adjective describing two nouns.
The view from the mountain was fabulous.
La vue depuis la montagne était fabuleuse.
Subject with a prepositional phrase.
They have a fabulous collection of old books.
Ils ont une fabuleuse collection de vieux livres.
Adjective describing a collective noun 'collection'.
It’s fabulous that you can come to my birthday.
C'est fabuleux que tu puisses venir à mon anniversaire.
It's fabulous that + clause.
The designer showcased a fabulous new collection at the fashion show.
Le créateur a présenté une nouvelle collection fabuleuse lors du défilé de mode.
More complex sentence with a specific context (fashion).
I’ve heard fabulous things about your new business venture.
J'ai entendu des choses fabuleuses sur votre nouveau projet d'entreprise.
Present perfect tense 'I've heard'.
The orchestra's performance was absolutely fabulous.
La performance de l'orchestre était absolument fabuleuse.
Use of intensifier 'absolutely'.
She has a fabulous talent for making people feel at ease.
Elle a un talent fabuleux pour mettre les gens à l'aise.
Abstract noun 'talent' described by 'fabulous'.
We spent a fabulous evening chatting under the stars.
Nous avons passé une soirée fabuleuse à discuter sous les étoiles.
Participle phrase 'chatting under the stars'.
The museum offers a fabulous insight into ancient civilizations.
Le musée offre un aperçu fabuleux des civilisations anciennes.
Formal context using 'insight'.
You've done a fabulous job organizing this event.
Vous avez fait un travail fabuleux pour organiser cet événement.
Present perfect with a gerund phrase.
The results of the research were truly fabulous.
Les résultats de la recherche étaient vraiment fabuleux.
Use of intensifier 'truly'.
Despite the rain, we had a fabulous time exploring the city's hidden gems.
Malgré la pluie, nous avons passé un moment fabuleux à explorer les trésors cachés de la ville.
Concession clause 'Despite the rain'.
The actress gave a fabulous performance that earned her a standing ovation.
L'actrice a donné une performance fabuleuse qui lui a valu une standing ovation.
Relative clause 'that earned her...'.
It was a fabulous opportunity to network with some of the industry's leading experts.
C'était une occasion fabuleuse de réseauter avec certains des plus grands experts du secteur.
Infinitive phrase 'to network with...'.
The garden has been restored to its former fabulous state.
Le jardin a été restauré dans son ancien état fabuleux.
Passive voice 'has been restored'.
She is fabulously wealthy, yet she lives a very simple and modest life.
Elle est fabuleusement riche, pourtant elle mène une vie très simple et modeste.
Adverb 'fabulously' modifying an adjective.
The novel is a fabulous blend of historical fact and imaginative fiction.
Le roman est un mélange fabuleux de faits historiques et de fiction imaginative.
Noun phrase 'blend of...'.
The company's fabulous success is due to its innovative approach to marketing.
Le succès fabuleux de l'entreprise est dû à son approche innovante du marketing.
Possessive noun + adjective + noun.
Oh, fabulous! Another meeting that could have been an email.
Oh, fabuleux ! Une autre réunion qui aurait pu être un e-mail.
Ironic/sarcastic usage.
The exhibition traces the fabulous history of the silk road through rare artifacts.
L'exposition retrace l'histoire fabuleuse de la route de la soie à travers des objets rares.
Using 'fabulous' in its 'legendary' sense.
Her fabulous wealth allowed her to become one of the city's most prominent philanthropists.
Sa richesse fabuleuse lui a permis de devenir l'une des plus importantes philanthropes de la ville.
Causative structure 'allowed her to become'.
The poet's work is filled with fabulous imagery and mythological references.
L'œuvre du poète est remplie d'imagerie fabuleuse et de références mythologiques.
Passive voice with 'filled with'.
The gala was a fabulous affair, attended by the cream of high society.
Le gala était une affaire fabuleuse, à laquelle assistait la crème de la haute société.
Appositive-like phrase 'attended by...'.
The architect's vision for the new skyscraper is nothing short of fabulous.
La vision de l'architecte pour le nouveau gratte-ciel n'est rien de moins que fabuleuse.
Idiomatic expression 'nothing short of'.
The region is home to many fabulous creatures that exist only in local folklore.
La région abrite de nombreuses créatures fabuleuses qui n'existent que dans le folklore local.
Literal 'mythical' meaning of fabulous.
The sheer scale of the project was fabulous, bordering on the impossible.
L'ampleur même du projet était fabuleuse, frôlant l'impossible.
Participial phrase 'bordering on...'.
He has a fabulous knack for turning even the most mundane story into a gripping epic.
Il a un talent fabuleux pour transformer l'histoire la plus banale en une épopée captivante.
Complex noun phrase with 'knack for'.
The film deconstructs the fabulous myths of the American West with brutal realism.
Le film déconstruit les mythes fabuleux de l'Ouest américain avec un réalisme brutal.
Using 'fabulous' to describe constructed myths.
In her memoirs, she reflects on the fabulous, fleeting glamour of the 1920s jazz scene.
Dans ses mémoires, elle réfléchit au glamour fabuleux et éphémère de la scène jazz des années 1920.
Coordinated adjectives 'fabulous, fleeting'.
The philosopher argued that our perception of reality is often a fabulous construct of the mind.
Le philosophe a soutenu que notre perception de la réalité est souvent une construction fabuleuse de l'esprit.
Subordinate clause 'that our perception...'.
The opera was a fabulous spectacle of light, sound, and raw emotion.
L'opéra était un spectacle fabuleux de lumière, de son et d'émotion brute.
Parallelism in the prepositional phrase.
The city's fabulous rise from the ashes of war is a testament to human resilience.
L'ascension fabuleuse de la ville après les cendres de la guerre est un témoignage de la résilience humaine.
Metaphorical usage 'rise from the ashes'.
The critic praised the director's fabulous attention to detail in every frame of the movie.
Le critique a loué l'attention fabuleuse du réalisateur aux détails dans chaque image du film.
Possessive structure with 'attention to detail'.
The collection includes several fabulous manuscripts that have never been seen by the public.
La collection comprend plusieurs manuscrits fabuleux qui n'ont jamais été vus par le public.
Relative clause with present perfect passive.
To call the event a success would be an understatement; it was truly fabulous in every sense.
Qualifier l'événement de succès serait un euphémisme ; il était vraiment fabuleux dans tous les sens du terme.
Semi-colon used to connect two independent clauses.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Absolutely fabulous
Simply fabulous
Look fabulous
Fabulous prizes
Fabulous creatures
A fabulous time
Fabulous riches
How fabulous!
Truly fabulous
Fabulous career
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Famous means well-known; fabulous means excellent or legendary.
Fable is the noun (a story); fabulous is the adjective (excellent/mythical).
Very similar, but fantastic can sometimes mean 'unbelievable' or 'strange' in older texts.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"The Fab Four"
A nickname for the famous British rock band, The Beatles.
The Fab Four changed the face of music in the 1960s.
informal"Fab Five"
Used to describe any famous or highly successful group of five people.
The Fab Five from the TV show 'Queer Eye' are very popular.
informal"Fabulous at forty"
A popular phrase suggesting that life and beauty are at their peak at age 40.
She celebrated being fabulous at forty with a big party.
casual"Living the fabulous life"
Living a lifestyle of luxury, travel, and high-end experiences.
After winning the lottery, they were living the fabulous life.
informal"Fabulous wealth beyond dreams"
An amount of money so large it is hard to imagine.
The tech mogul acquired fabulous wealth beyond dreams.
literary"Keep it fabulous"
A modern slang expression encouraging someone to stay stylish and confident.
Good luck with the show, and keep it fabulous!
slang"Fabulous and functional"
Describing something that is both beautiful and useful.
This new kitchen gadget is both fabulous and functional.
marketing"Fabulous for a reason"
Used to explain why someone or something is highly praised.
That restaurant is fabulous for a reason; the food is incredible.
casual"A fabulous mess"
An oxymoron used to describe something chaotic but still somehow impressive or attractive.
Her studio was a fabulous mess of paint and canvases.
creative"Fabulous from head to toe"
Looking perfect in every detail of one's appearance.
She looked fabulous from head to toe at the wedding.
casualLeicht verwechselbar
Similar sound and spelling.
Famous refers to being known by many people. Fabulous refers to high quality or beauty.
The famous actor gave a fabulous performance.
Both mean 'very good' in modern English.
Fantastic is often more general. Fabulous often implies style, glamour, or luxury.
The movie was fantastic, but her dress was fabulous.
Synonyms for 'very good'.
Wonderful is more about internal feeling/awe. Fabulous is more about external quality/style.
It was a wonderful feeling to see the fabulous sunset.
Both relate to stories/fables.
Legendary means famous for a long time. Fabulous means excellent or mythical.
The legendary singer had a fabulous voice.
Both mean 'excellent'.
Splendid is more formal and often used for grand things. Fabulous is more modern and social.
The palace was splendid, and the party was fabulous.
Satzmuster
The [noun] is fabulous.
The pizza is fabulous.
You look fabulous in [clothing].
You look fabulous in that blue shirt.
We had a fabulous time [verb-ing].
We had a fabulous time dancing at the wedding.
It is fabulous that [clause].
It is fabulous that you passed your exam.
An absolutely fabulous [noun].
An absolutely fabulous performance by the lead singer.
A fabulous blend of [noun] and [noun].
A fabulous blend of modern technology and classic design.
[Noun] of fabulous proportions.
A project of fabulous proportions was announced today.
The fabulous nature of [abstract noun].
The fabulous nature of his claims made them hard to believe.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very high in lifestyle, fashion, and social contexts.
-
Using 'fabulous' for something small and boring.
→
Using it for something truly impressive.
Calling a pencil 'fabulous' sounds strange unless the pencil is very special.
-
Saying 'He is a fabulous person' when you mean he is well-known.
→
He is a famous person.
Don't confuse 'fabulous' (excellent) with 'famous' (well-known).
-
Saying 'very fabulous'.
→
Absolutely fabulous.
Fabulous is an extreme adjective, so it pairs with 'absolutely' rather than 'very'.
-
Spelling it 'fabilous' or 'fabulos'.
→
Fabulous.
The correct spelling includes the 'u' and the 'ous' ending.
-
Using 'fabulous' in a formal legal contract.
→
Exceptional or satisfactory.
The word is too emotional and subjective for strictly formal legal or technical documents.
Tipps
Add Sparkle
Use 'fabulous' when you want to make your praise sound more stylish and enthusiastic than just saying 'good.'
No 'Very'
Avoid 'very fabulous.' Use 'absolutely' or 'simply' to intensify the word correctly.
Vary Your Words
If you use 'fabulous' too much, try 'superb,' 'splendid,' or 'marvelous' to keep your English interesting.
Giving Compliments
Saying 'You look fabulous!' is a high-level compliment that usually makes people feel very good about their appearance.
Creative Writing
In stories, use 'fabulous' to describe things that are so beautiful they seem like they belong in a dream or a myth.
Detect Sarcasm
Pay attention to the speaker's tone. If they sound annoyed, 'fabulous' probably means something bad happened.
The 'U' Rule
Don't forget the 'u' in the middle! It's f-a-b-U-l-o-u-s.
Workplace Praise
It's a great word for praising a team's effort or a successful event, making you sound positive and supportive.
Global Use
Because it's used in global fashion and travel, 'fabulous' is understood by English speakers all over the world.
Stress the Start
Always put the emphasis on the 'FAB' part of the word for the most natural sound.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'Fable' where everything is 'Fabulous.' A storybook world is always perfect and wonderful.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a person wearing a glittering crown and a designer dress standing on a red carpet.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to describe three things you saw today using the word 'fabulous' in a full sentence.
Wortherkunft
From the Middle French 'fabuleux' and directly from the Latin 'fabulosus' meaning 'celebrated in fable.'
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The word originally meant 'mythical' or 'legendary,' referring to things found in fables rather than reality.
It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch (Latin).Kultureller Kontext
Generally safe, but can sound overly dramatic or 'camp' in very conservative or formal settings.
Very common in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada, especially in urban and creative circles.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Fashion
- fabulous outfit
- look fabulous
- fabulous collection
- fabulous style
Travel
- fabulous hotel
- fabulous view
- fabulous weather
- fabulous trip
Dining
- fabulous meal
- fabulous service
- fabulous dessert
- fabulous restaurant
Social Events
- fabulous party
- fabulous host
- fabulous time
- fabulous atmosphere
Work/Success
- fabulous job
- fabulous results
- fabulous opportunity
- fabulous career
Gesprächseinstiege
"Did you see the sunset last night? It was absolutely fabulous!"
"I heard you went to that new Italian restaurant. Was the food fabulous?"
"You look fabulous today! Is that a new jacket?"
"What a fabulous idea for a weekend getaway! Where should we go?"
"I think it's fabulous that you're starting your own business."
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe the most fabulous meal you have ever eaten. What made it so special?
Write about a person you know who has a fabulous sense of style.
If you had fabulous wealth, what is the first thing you would buy or do?
Reflect on a fabulous day you spent with friends or family recently.
What does a 'fabulous life' look like to you? Describe it in detail.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, you can use 'fabulous' to describe anyone. While it is sometimes associated with more expressive speech, it is perfectly acceptable for all genders to describe a person's work, style, or personality.
It is very common in both. However, the short form 'fab' is much more frequent in British English, while Americans tend to use the full word 'fabulous' or 'awesome.'
It is generally considered neutral to informal. It is fine for social events and many professional settings, but you might avoid it in a very serious academic or legal document.
'Fabulous' is much stronger and more enthusiastic than 'great.' If something is 'great,' it is good. If it is 'fabulous,' it is exceptional and impressive.
Only when used sarcastically. For example, if it starts raining on your picnic, you might say 'Oh, fabulous!' to show you are unhappy.
The adverb is 'fabulously.' You simply add '-ly' to the end of the adjective.
Common things include weather, parties, clothes, food, hotels, views, and career opportunities.
The word itself is old (15th century), but its modern meaning of 'excellent' only became popular in the mid-20th century.
Yes, 'more fabulous' and 'most fabulous' are the correct comparative and superlative forms, though they are less common than the base word.
In modern English, yes. In older literature, it can mean 'mythical' or 'untrue,' but you won't hear that in daily conversation.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence using 'fabulous' to describe a holiday.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a compliment to a friend using the word 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'absolutely fabulous' in a sentence about a meal.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short review of a movie using 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a sunset using 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'fabulous wealth'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'fabulous' in an exclamatory sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'fabulous opportunity'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a garden using 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'fabulously' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'fabulous collection'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a performance using 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'fabulous news'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'simply fabulous' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a teacher using 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'fabulous day'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'fabulous' to describe a piece of jewelry.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'fabulous success'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'fabulous' in a question.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a city using 'fabulous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'fabulous' out loud, emphasizing the first syllable.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe your favorite piece of clothing using 'fabulous'.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a partner about a fabulous meal you had recently.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Exclaim 'How fabulous!' with enthusiasm.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Compliment someone's hair using 'fabulous'.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about a fabulous place you would like to visit.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why a certain movie was fabulous.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use 'absolutely fabulous' in a sentence about a party.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a fabulous sunset you have seen.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about a fabulous achievement in your life.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'simply fabulous' with a sophisticated tone.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a story about a fabulous surprise you received.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a fabulous garden or park near you.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use 'fabulous' to describe a successful project at work.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the difference between 'famous' and 'fabulous'.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about a fabulous book you have read.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Compliment a friend's new car using 'fabulous'.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a fabulous hotel you have stayed in.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use 'fabulous' in a sentence about the weather.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'What a fabulous day!' with a smile.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to the sentence: 'The party was absolutely fabulous.' What was fabulous?
Listen to the sentence: 'She looked fabulous in her new outfit.' What was she wearing?
Listen to the sentence: 'We had fabulous weather all week.' How long was the weather fabulous?
Listen to the sentence: 'The results were truly fabulous.' Were the results good or bad?
Listen to the sentence: 'He has fabulous wealth.' Does he have a lot of money?
Listen to the sentence: 'What a fabulous surprise!' Is the speaker happy or sad?
Listen to the sentence: 'The view from the top is fabulous.' Where is the view from?
Listen to the sentence: 'They had a fabulous time at the beach.' Where were they?
Listen to the sentence: 'She is a fabulous cook.' What is she good at?
Listen to the sentence: 'The museum has a fabulous collection.' What does the museum have?
Listen to the sentence: 'It was a fabulous opportunity.' What kind of opportunity was it?
Listen to the sentence: 'The orchestra gave a fabulous performance.' Who performed?
Listen to the sentence: 'You look fabulous today!' When does the person look fabulous?
Listen to the sentence: 'The cake was simply fabulous.' How was the cake?
Listen to the sentence: 'We spent a fabulous evening together.' How was the evening?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Fabulous is your 'go-to' word for high-level praise when 'great' isn't enough. It adds a touch of glamour and excitement to your descriptions. Example: 'The sunset over the ocean was absolutely fabulous.'
- Fabulous is a strong adjective meaning extremely good or impressive, often used to show high enthusiasm.
- It comes from the word 'fable,' originally meaning something so good it seems like a myth or story.
- It is commonly used to describe fashion, travel, food, and social events in a positive, stylish way.
- Avoid using 'very' with fabulous; instead, use 'absolutely' or 'simply' for extra emphasis.
Add Sparkle
Use 'fabulous' when you want to make your praise sound more stylish and enthusiastic than just saying 'good.'
No 'Very'
Avoid 'very fabulous.' Use 'absolutely' or 'simply' to intensify the word correctly.
Vary Your Words
If you use 'fabulous' too much, try 'superb,' 'splendid,' or 'marvelous' to keep your English interesting.
Giving Compliments
Saying 'You look fabulous!' is a high-level compliment that usually makes people feel very good about their appearance.