stunning
When we say something is stunning at a B2 level, we're not just saying it's pretty; we're implying it's beautiful in a way that truly captivates and astonishes you. It goes beyond simple attractiveness to evoke a strong emotional response, making you stop and take notice. This adjective can also be used to describe something so surprising or unexpected that it leaves you momentarily speechless or overwhelmed. Think of it as a heightened form of 'very beautiful' or 'very impressive' with an added element of surprise or impact.
When we describe something as stunning, we're not just saying it's pretty; we're implying a level of beauty or impressiveness that is truly captivating and perhaps even a little overwhelming. Imagine a sunset that leaves you speechless—that's a stunning sunset. It can also refer to something so shocking or unexpected that it leaves you momentarily dazed, like a stunning revelation. The impact is significant, often eliciting a strong emotional or physical reaction due to its intensity.
Niveau de difficulté
The word is relatively common but understanding its full nuance might require contextual clues.
Using 'stunning' appropriately requires understanding its strong connotations.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but correct intonation is important to convey the intended emphasis.
Recognizing the word is easy; understanding its impact in conversation is key.
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Exemples par niveau
The view from the mountain was absolutely stunning.
Widok z góry był absolutnie oszałamiający.
She wore a stunning red dress to the party.
Miała na sobie oszałamiającą czerwoną sukienkę na imprezę.
The news of his resignation was quite stunning to everyone.
Wiadomość o jego rezygnacji była dość oszałamiająca dla wszystkich.
They gave a stunning performance at the concert.
Dali oszałamiający występ na koncercie.
The artist created a stunning piece of modern art.
Artysta stworzył oszałamiające dzieło sztuki nowoczesnej.
The sudden change in weather was stunning, even for this time of year.
Nagła zmiana pogody była oszałamiająca, nawet jak na tę porę roku.
Her ability to speak so many languages is truly stunning.
Jej zdolność do mówienia tak wieloma językami jest naprawdę oszałamiająca.
The special effects in the movie were stunning and very realistic.
Efekty specjalne w filmie były oszałamiające i bardzo realistyczne.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Astuces
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words in context. Seeing 'stunning' in a sentence helps you understand its usage better.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore synonyms like 'gorgeous,' 'breathtaking,' and 'shocking,' and antonyms such as 'unimpressive' or 'dull' to broaden your vocabulary.
Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using 'stunning.' For example: 'The view from the mountain was stunning.' This helps solidify your understanding.
Visual Association
Associate 'stunning' with a vivid image in your mind, like a beautiful landscape or a surprising event. Visual cues can aid memory.
Regular Review
Periodically review words you've learned. Spaced repetition can significantly improve retention.
Practice Speaking
Try to incorporate 'stunning' into your conversations. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
Listen for Usage
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'stunning' in movies, TV shows, or podcasts. This helps you grasp nuances.
Overuse
Be mindful not to overuse 'stunning' in every situation; choose other adjectives to vary your language.
Cultural Nuances
In some contexts, 'stunning' can be quite strong. Consider the audience and situation when using it.
Figurative Language
Explore how 'stunning' can be used in figurative language, such as 'a stunning defeat' or 'stunning news,' to convey surprise or shock.
Teste-toi 54 questions
The flowers in the garden are ___.
Stunning means very beautiful. The flowers are beautiful.
She has a ___ smile.
Stunning means very impressive or attractive. A stunning smile is a very nice smile.
The view from the mountain was ___.
Stunning means extremely impressive. A view from a mountain can be very impressive.
The new dress looks ___ on her.
Stunning means very attractive. A dress can look very attractive on someone.
The painting in the museum is truly ___.
Stunning means extremely impressive. A painting can be very impressive.
The fireworks show was ___.
Stunning means extremely impressive or beautiful. A fireworks show can be very impressive and beautiful.
The sunset was ___.
Stunning means extremely beautiful. A sunset can be extremely beautiful.
Her dress was very ___ at the party.
Stunning means extremely impressive or attractive. A dress can be very attractive.
The magic show was ___! I was so surprised.
Stunning can describe something that is so shocking or unexpected that it causes a person to feel overwhelmed or dazed. A surprising magic show can be stunning.
A stunning view is a beautiful view.
Stunning means extremely beautiful, impressive, or attractive.
If something is stunning, it is very boring.
Stunning means extremely impressive, beautiful, or attractive, not boring.
A stunning surprise can make you feel amazed.
Stunning can describe something so shocking or unexpected that it causes a person to feel overwhelmed or dazed, which includes feeling amazed.
The sunset over the ocean was truly ___.
Something 'stunning' is very beautiful and impressive, like a beautiful sunset.
She looked ___ in her new dress for the party.
When someone looks 'stunning', they look very attractive and beautiful.
The magician's trick was so ___ that everyone gasped.
A 'stunning' trick is very surprising and impressive.
The mountain view from the top was ___.
A 'stunning' view is an extremely impressive and beautiful view.
The news about the win was so ___ that I couldn't believe it.
News can be 'stunning' if it is very surprising or shocking.
The singer's performance was absolutely ___ and everyone clapped loudly.
A 'stunning' performance is extremely impressive and amazing.
The sunset over the ocean was truly _____.
Stunning means extremely impressive or beautiful. The sunset can be very impressive.
Her new dress was so _____ that everyone looked at her.
Stunning describes something very attractive that draws attention.
The news was so _____ that I couldn't speak.
Stunning can also describe something shocking or unexpected that makes you feel overwhelmed.
A 'stunning' view is an ugly view.
A stunning view is a very beautiful and impressive view, not an ugly one.
If something is 'stunning', it means it is very ordinary.
Stunning means something is extremely impressive or beautiful, which is the opposite of ordinary.
A 'stunning' surprise makes you feel very surprised.
Stunning can describe something so shocking or unexpected that it causes a person to feel overwhelmed or dazed, which includes feeling very surprised.
The sunset over the ocean was absolutely ___.
The word 'stunning' describes something extremely impressive and beautiful, which fits the description of a beautiful sunset.
Everyone in the room was silent, completely ___ by her powerful performance.
In this context, 'stunning' means so shocking or unexpected that it causes a person to feel overwhelmed or dazed, which describes the audience's reaction to a powerful performance.
She wore a ___ red dress to the party, and everyone complimented her.
A 'stunning' dress means it is extremely impressive and beautiful, making it a compliment.
The news of his sudden resignation was quite ___, leaving everyone surprised.
The news was 'stunning' because it was shocking and unexpected, causing surprise.
The magician performed a ___ trick that left the audience speechless.
A 'stunning' trick is one that is extremely impressive and surprising, making the audience speechless.
From the mountain top, we had a ___ view of the entire valley.
A 'stunning' view implies it was extremely impressive and beautiful from the mountain top.
Imagine you are describing a travel destination that left you speechless. Use the word 'stunning' to describe at least two different aspects of this place (e.g., the scenery, the architecture, the local culture). Explain why these aspects were so impressive.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My trip to the Swiss Alps was truly unforgettable. The panoramic views from the mountain peaks were absolutely stunning, with snow-capped giants stretching as far as the eye could see. Equally stunning was the precision and beauty of the old clock towers in the villages below; each one a miniature work of art. The sheer scale of the landscape and the intricate craftsmanship were both incredibly impressive and left me utterly dazed by their beauty.
Write a short paragraph about a recent event or achievement that was so shocking or unexpected it left people feeling overwhelmed or dazed. Use the word 'stunning' to describe the event or its impact.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The local football team, considered underdogs throughout the season, achieved a stunning victory in the championship final. Their win was so unexpected that the crowd was left dazed and overwhelmed, barely able to process the incredible outcome. It was a truly shocking turn of events that no one had predicted, making their success even more impressive and memorable.
Describe a piece of art (a painting, a sculpture, a piece of music, etc.) that you find 'stunning'. Explain what specifically about it is so impressive or beautiful that it surprises you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Vincent van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' is a truly stunning painting. The swirling, vibrant brushstrokes and the intense colours create a sense of movement and energy that is incredibly impressive. What's particularly stunning is how he captures the feeling of a vibrant, living night sky, rather than just its appearance, which always surprises me with its emotional depth.
What aspect of Petra does the passage describe as stunning?
Read this passage:
The ancient city of Petra, carved into the red sandstone cliffs of Jordan, is a truly stunning architectural marvel. Its intricate facades and tombs, sculpted directly into the rock face, reveal the remarkable craftsmanship of the Nabataeans. Visitors often find themselves dazed by the sheer scale and beauty of this historical wonder, especially when the sunlight catches the rose-red stone, making it glow.
What aspect of Petra does the passage describe as stunning?
The passage explicitly states, 'the ancient city of Petra... is a truly stunning architectural marvel' and describes its 'intricate facades and tombs, sculpted directly into the rock face'.
The passage explicitly states, 'the ancient city of Petra... is a truly stunning architectural marvel' and describes its 'intricate facades and tombs, sculpted directly into the rock face'.
How did the athlete's performance impact the spectators?
Read this passage:
After weeks of intense competition, the young athlete's performance in the final race was nothing short of stunning. She not only broke her personal best but also set a new national record, leaving both her rivals and the spectators completely dazed. The unexpected display of speed and endurance secured her a gold medal and a place in history, a truly impressive achievement for someone so early in their career.
How did the athlete's performance impact the spectators?
The text states, 'She not only broke her personal best but also set a new national record, leaving both her rivals and the spectators completely dazed. The unexpected display of speed and endurance secured her a gold medal.'
The text states, 'She not only broke her personal best but also set a new national record, leaving both her rivals and the spectators completely dazed. The unexpected display of speed and endurance secured her a gold medal.'
What made the designs at the fashion show 'stunning'?
Read this passage:
The fashion show concluded with a stunning display of avant-garde designs. Models wore garments made from unconventional materials, with bold silhouettes and vibrant colors that challenged traditional notions of beauty. The audience, initially hesitant, was soon captivated and many left feeling overwhelmed by the innovative and surprising creativity on display.
What made the designs at the fashion show 'stunning'?
The passage mentions 'a stunning display of avant-garde designs' and elaborates on 'garments made from unconventional materials, with bold silhouettes and vibrant colors that challenged traditional notions of beauty.'
The passage mentions 'a stunning display of avant-garde designs' and elaborates on 'garments made from unconventional materials, with bold silhouettes and vibrant colors that challenged traditional notions of beauty.'
The word describes the impressive views.
The word describes the quality of her performance.
The word describes the surprising nature of the news.
Read this aloud:
Can you describe a time you saw something truly stunning, perhaps a landscape or a piece of art?
Focus: stunning
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you're a travel blogger. Describe a 'stunning' destination to your audience, emphasizing what makes it so impressive.
Focus: stunning
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Read this aloud:
Have you ever received 'stunning' news, either good or bad? How did it make you feel, and how did you react?
Focus: stunning
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Describe a moment in your life that left you utterly stunned, either due to its beauty or its unexpected nature. Focus on conveying the intensity of your emotions and the specific details that contributed to this feeling.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I was utterly stunned when I first saw the northern lights. The sky erupted in a vibrant symphony of greens and purples, shifting and dancing with an almost ethereal grace. It was an unforeseen spectacle, a breathtaking display of nature's raw power that left me feeling profoundly small yet incredibly connected to the universe. The sheer scale and intensity of the phenomenon were overwhelming, and I stood there, awe-struck, for what felt like an eternity.
Imagine you are a travel writer tasked with describing a 'stunning' natural landmark. Write a descriptive paragraph that captures its essence, using vivid imagery and advanced vocabulary to evoke a sense of wonder and surprise.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The cliffs of Moher are a truly stunning spectacle, rising majestically from the wild Atlantic. The panoramic views from their rugged edges are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with the churning cerulean waters meeting the sheer rock face in a dramatic embrace. It's a place where nature's grandeur is unparalleled, leaving visitors breathless and reflective. The verdant emerald hills cascade down to meet the tumultuous ocean, creating a resplendent tableau that forever etches itself into the memory.
Reflect on a time you witnessed a 'stunning' performance or artistic creation. Analyze what elements contributed to its impact and how it challenged your perceptions or expectations.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The ballet performance of 'Swan Lake' was utterly stunning, a true masterpiece of choreography and artistry. The lead ballerina's virtuoso movements were transcendent, embodying both the fragility and strength of Odette with such profound emotion that it was revelatory. It challenged my preconceived notions of dance, demonstrating how movement alone could convey a narrative with such depth and complexity. The overall effect was a paradigm shift in my appreciation for classical art forms, leaving me deeply moved and inspired.
What aspect of the cultural center's design was particularly surprising to critics?
Read this passage:
The architect's latest design for the city's new cultural center was nothing short of stunning. Its innovative use of light and space created an interior that felt both expansive and intimate, a testament to his bold vision. Critics lauded its unexpected integration of sustainable materials, which seamlessly blended cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness. The building itself, with its graceful curves and striking facade, had already become an iconic landmark, drawing visitors from across the globe.
What aspect of the cultural center's design was particularly surprising to critics?
The passage states, 'Critics lauded its unexpected integration of sustainable materials,' indicating this was the surprising element.
The passage states, 'Critics lauded its unexpected integration of sustainable materials,' indicating this was the surprising element.
What was the primary reason the financial world was stunned by the announcement?
Read this passage:
After weeks of intense negotiations, the company's unexpected announcement of a merger with its biggest competitor left the financial world stunned. Analysts had predicted a protracted battle for market share, not a sudden alliance. The implications of this development were far-reaching, promising to reshape the entire industry landscape. Investors reacted with a mixture of apprehension and excitement, unsure whether to anticipate unprecedented growth or significant instability.
What was the primary reason the financial world was stunned by the announcement?
The passage explains that analysts had predicted a 'protracted battle for market share, not a sudden alliance,' which caused the surprise.
The passage explains that analysts had predicted a 'protracted battle for market share, not a sudden alliance,' which caused the surprise.
What made the prodigy's performance particularly stunning?
Read this passage:
The young prodigy's debut concert was a stunning display of virtuosity and emotional depth. Despite her tender age, she commanded the stage with an authority that belied her years, effortlessly navigating complex compositions. The audience, initially skeptical, was quickly captivated by her flawless technique and the sheer passion evident in every note. It was a performance that not only entertained but also profoundly moved all who witnessed it, leaving them in a state of appreciative silence.
What made the prodigy's performance particularly stunning?
The passage highlights her 'stunning display of virtuosity and emotional depth' and her ability to 'command the stage with an authority that belied her years' as the key factors.
The passage highlights her 'stunning display of virtuosity and emotional depth' and her ability to 'command the stage with an authority that belied her years' as the key factors.
This sentence describes the impressive nature of the cathedral's architecture using 'stunning'.
This sentence uses 'stunning' to describe an exceptionally impressive performance.
Here, 'stunning' conveys the shocking and unexpected nature of the news.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words in context. Seeing 'stunning' in a sentence helps you understand its usage better.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore synonyms like 'gorgeous,' 'breathtaking,' and 'shocking,' and antonyms such as 'unimpressive' or 'dull' to broaden your vocabulary.
Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using 'stunning.' For example: 'The view from the mountain was stunning.' This helps solidify your understanding.
Visual Association
Associate 'stunning' with a vivid image in your mind, like a beautiful landscape or a surprising event. Visual cues can aid memory.
