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B1 adjective #12 mais comum 10 min de leitura

striking

Top 12

At the A1 level, 'striking' might be a bit difficult, but you can think of it as meaning 'very easy to see' or 'very pretty.' Imagine you are looking at a picture. If there is one bright red flower in a field of green grass, that flower is striking. It 'hits' your eyes first. You use it when you want to say something is not just good, but it is special and you noticed it immediately. For example, 'She has striking blue eyes' means her eyes are very blue and beautiful, and you notice them right away. It is a step up from 'very nice' or 'beautiful.' It is about things that stand out from everything else around them. You can use it for colors, people, or big things like mountains.

For A2 learners, 'striking' is a useful word to describe things that are 'remarkable' or 'very noticeable.' It comes from the word 'strike,' like hitting something. So, a striking thing 'hits' your attention. You can use it to describe a person's appearance, like 'He is a striking man,' which means he looks very impressive or handsome in a way that people notice. You can also use it for differences. If two brothers look exactly the same, you can say 'There is a striking similarity between them.' It is more advanced than 'very,' and it helps you describe things more clearly. Use it when you want to emphasize that something is unusual or stands out in a crowd.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'striking' to describe not just physical beauty, but also patterns and facts. It means 'attracting attention by being unusual, extreme, or prominent.' For instance, in a discussion about a city, you might say, 'The most striking feature of the city is the mix of old and new buildings.' This shows you are noticing specific details. It is also very common in the phrase 'striking resemblance.' If you see a girl who looks just like a famous actress, that is a striking resemblance. It is an effective word for making your descriptions more vivid and professional. Instead of saying 'The difference is big,' you can say 'The difference is striking,' which sounds much more sophisticated.

At the B2 level, 'striking' becomes a key word for analytical and descriptive writing. You should use it to highlight significant findings or contrasts. It implies that something is so obvious or impressive that it demands an explanation or further thought. For example, 'The striking contrast between the two political ideologies led to a heated debate.' Here, 'striking' suggests that the differences are fundamental and impossible to ignore. You can also use it to describe the effectiveness of an argument or a piece of art. A 'striking image' in a poem is one that stays in the reader's mind long after they have finished reading. It is about the power of an object or idea to leave a lasting impression on the observer.

For C1 learners, 'striking' is a nuanced tool for precise communication. It is often used to describe the 'salience' of a particular feature within a complex system. In academic or professional contexts, you might refer to a 'striking disparity' in income levels or a 'striking correlation' between education and health. It suggests that the observation is not just a minor detail but a central, defining characteristic of the subject. You should also be aware of its use in literary contexts to describe an 'arresting' quality—something that halts the flow of thought and forces reflection. Mastery at this level involves knowing when 'striking' is better than 'conspicuous,' 'salient,' or 'pronounced,' depending on the desired emotional or intellectual impact.

At the C2 level, 'striking' is used with a high degree of rhetorical sophistication. It can be employed to create emphasis in a variety of registers, from the poetic to the highly technical. A C2 speaker might use it to describe a 'strikingly original' thesis or a 'strikingly evocative' musical score. It is often paired with adverbs to fine-tune the meaning, such as 'strikingly beautiful' or 'strikingly odd.' At this level, the word is used to signal a deep understanding of the subject matter, pointing out features that might be missed by a less observant eye but which are, upon reflection, the most significant. It is about the art of observation and the ability to articulate the profound impact of those observations on the human consciousness.

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

striking em 30 segundos

Striking describes anything that is highly noticeable, impressive, or unusual enough to grab immediate attention.
It is commonly used for physical beauty, strong contrasts, and significant similarities between two things.
The word implies a sudden impact on the observer, much like the physical act of striking a surface.
In formal writing, it highlights important data or clear differences that cannot be ignored by the reader.

The word striking is a multifaceted adjective that primarily functions to describe something that captures the attention immediately and forcefully. At its core, it suggests an impact—much like the physical act of striking a bell—that resonates within the observer's mind. When we call something striking, we are not merely saying it is 'good' or 'nice'; we are asserting that it possesses a quality so distinct or remarkable that it cannot be overlooked. This word is frequently employed in the realms of aesthetics, data analysis, and interpersonal observations to highlight features that stand out from a standard background. It carries a sense of suddenness and clarity, often implying that the realization of the object's quality happens in an instant of perception.

Visual Impact: In the context of appearance, striking describes features that are bold, unusual, or exceptionally beautiful. A person might have striking blue eyes that contrast sharply with dark hair, or a building might have a striking architectural design that breaks the monotony of a city skyline. It is about the power of the visual field to command focus.
Comparative Difference: When used in analytical contexts, striking refers to a difference or similarity that is so obvious it demands explanation. If two unrelated people look identical, there is a striking resemblance. If a new policy causes a 50% drop in crime, that is a striking improvement. It highlights the magnitude of change or the precision of a match.
Emotional or Intellectual Resonance: Beyond the physical, an idea or a performance can be striking. A striking argument is one that hits the mark perfectly, changing the listener's perspective through its sheer force and clarity. It implies a level of brilliance that cuts through confusion.

The versatility of striking lies in its ability to be both positive and neutral. While it is often a compliment, it can also describe something that is simply impossible to ignore, even if it is unsettling. For instance, a striking contrast between wealth and poverty in a city is not necessarily 'beautiful,' but it is certainly 'noticeable and memorable.' This nuance makes it a powerful tool for descriptive writing where the goal is to emphasize the intensity of an observation.

The mountains presented a striking silhouette against the setting sun, drawing every traveler's gaze to the horizon.

There is a striking similarity between the two cases that the investigators cannot ignore.

Her striking red dress made her the center of attention at the gala.

The author uses striking imagery to convey the loneliness of the protagonist.

The most striking feature of the new smartphone is its edge-to-edge holographic display.

Ultimately, to use striking is to acknowledge the power of an object to command the human senses. It bridges the gap between simple observation and profound impression. Whether you are describing a sunset, a scientific discovery, or a person's character, this word provides a sophisticated way to signal that what you are seeing is truly out of the ordinary.

Using striking effectively requires an understanding of its syntactic roles and the nouns it typically modifies. As an adjective, it most commonly precedes the noun it describes, acting as an attributive adjective. However, it can also follow a linking verb (like 'be', 'seem', or 'look') as a predicative adjective. The choice depends on whether you want to introduce the quality as a fundamental characteristic or as an observation made by the speaker.

Attributive Use: In this form, the word comes directly before the noun. Example: 'The striking architecture of the museum attracted thousands of visitors.' Here, 'striking' defines the architecture from the outset.
Predicative Use: In this form, the word follows a verb. Example: 'The resemblance between the father and son was striking.' This structure often places more emphasis on the adjective itself, highlighting the speaker's reaction to the resemblance.
Modifying with Adverbs: Because 'striking' is already a strong word, it is often used with adverbs that emphasize its intensity, such as 'particularly,' 'truly,' 'quite,' or 'absolutely.' For example: 'The contrast was particularly striking in the morning light.'

When constructing sentences, consider the 'why' behind the striking nature. Is it striking because of color, size, behavior, or statistical deviation? Providing this context helps the reader visualize the scene. For instance, instead of just saying 'The bird was striking,' you might say 'The bird’s striking plumage featured iridescent greens and deep purples.' This specificity elevates the writing from a simple statement to a vivid description.

It is striking how much the technology has changed in just five years.

The most striking aspect of his personality is his unwavering optimism.

The contrast between the two paintings was striking, one being dark and somber, the other bright and chaotic.

In professional settings, 'striking' is a useful alternative to 'big' or 'noticeable.' It sounds more precise and observational. For example, in a business presentation, saying 'We saw a striking increase in user engagement' sounds more authoritative than 'We saw a big increase.' It implies that the data was not just higher, but impressively so.

The word striking is a staple in various domains, ranging from high-brow art criticism to daily news reporting. Its ability to convey both aesthetic beauty and logical significance makes it indispensable for communicators who want to grab their audience's attention. Understanding where you will encounter this word helps in grasping its various connotations and registers.

Art and Fashion Criticism: Critics use 'striking' to describe works that break conventions or possess a powerful visual presence. You might read about a 'striking use of color' in a Van Gogh painting or a 'striking silhouette' on a fashion runway. In these fields, it is almost always a high compliment.
Journalism and News: News anchors and reporters use the word to highlight dramatic events or statistics. A 'striking development' in a political scandal or a 'striking resemblance' between a suspect and a composite sketch are common phrases. It adds a layer of drama and importance to the reporting.
Scientific and Academic Research: In research papers, 'striking' is used to point out data points that deviate significantly from the norm. A 'striking correlation' between two variables suggests that the finding is robust and worthy of further study. It serves as a signpost for readers to pay close attention to a specific result.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when people are discussing travel experiences or people they've met. 'The view from the top of the cliff was absolutely striking,' or 'He has such a striking face; I feel like I've seen him in a movie.' In these contexts, it conveys a sense of wonder or genuine surprise. It is a word that elevates the conversation above the mundane.

The documentary highlighted the striking disparity between the urban elite and the rural poor.

The most striking thing about the performance was the lead actor's vocal range.

Whether you are reading a high-end magazine, listening to a podcast about science, or watching a movie review, 'striking' is the go-to word for anything that leaves a lasting mark on the observer's consciousness. It is a bridge between the objective fact of being noticed and the subjective experience of being impressed.

While striking is a versatile and powerful word, it is frequently misused by learners who may confuse its different meanings or apply it in inappropriate contexts. Because it is derived from the verb 'to strike,' there is a risk of conflating its physical meaning with its descriptive meaning. Additionally, its intensity means it can sometimes be 'too much' for a sentence that requires a milder tone.

Confusing with Physical Hitting: Learners sometimes use 'striking' when they mean 'hitting' or 'attacking.' While 'striking' can be a participle (e.g., 'He was striking the drum'), as an adjective, it never refers to physical violence. You wouldn't say 'The striking man was arrested' if you meant he hit someone; you would say 'The man who was striking the victim was arrested.'
Overuse as a Synonym for 'Good': 'Striking' implies a high degree of impact. Using it for mundane things like 'a striking cup of coffee' or 'a striking pencil' feels unnatural unless the object is truly extraordinary. Save it for things that actually stand out.
Misapplying to Negative Contexts: While 'striking' can describe a 'striking failure,' it is more commonly associated with impressive or noticeable qualities. Using it for something merely 'bad' without the element of being 'noticeable' can be confusing. For example, 'a striking headache' is rare; 'a splitting headache' or 'a severe headache' is more common.

Another common error is failing to provide the 'point of comparison.' If you say something is striking, the reader often wants to know *what* it is striking compared to. Without a context of what is 'normal,' the word loses some of its descriptive power. For instance, 'The change was striking' is less effective than 'The change was striking compared to last year's results.'

Incorrect: He gave me a striking blow to the head. (Use 'heavy' or 'powerful')

Correct: He has a striking profile that looks like a Roman statue.

Finally, watch out for the 'striking' vs. 'stunning' distinction. While often interchangeable, 'stunning' usually implies a higher degree of beauty or shock, while 'striking' focuses more on the fact that something is clearly visible or noticeably different. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize beauty or noticeability.

To truly master striking, one must understand its place within a family of words that describe impact and visibility. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about a person's looks, a piece of data, or a landscape—there might be a more precise alternative that captures the exact nuance you intend.

Striking vs. Stunning: 'Stunning' is more intense and usually implies beauty that leaves one speechless. 'Striking' is more about being noticeable and impressive. You can have a 'striking' resemblance, but a 'stunning' resemblance sounds slightly exaggerated.
Striking vs. Conspicuous: 'Conspicuous' means clearly visible, but often in a way that is unwanted or obvious. A 'conspicuous error' is one everyone sees. A 'striking error' is one that is not just visible but impressively large or significant.
Striking vs. Remarkable: 'Remarkable' means worthy of attention or comment. It is broader than 'striking.' Something can be remarkable because of its history or quality without being visually 'striking.' 'Striking' usually has a more immediate, sensory impact.

Other alternatives include 'arresting' (which 'stops' you in your tracks), 'salient' (used in academic contexts for the most important features), and 'noticeable' (the most basic version of the concept). Choosing 'striking' over 'noticeable' adds a layer of sophistication and suggests that the thing being noticed has a certain power or elegance.

The arresting beauty of the desert at dawn is something every traveler should see.

One of the most salient points of the lecture was the impact of climate change on local fishing.

By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can tailor your descriptions to the specific type of impact you want to convey. 'Striking' remains the most versatile for general use, but knowing when to reach for 'stunning' or 'salient' will make your English sound more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutro

Informal

Child friendly

Gíria

Curiosidade

The phrase 'striking a clock' refers to the hammer hitting the bell to tell the time. This 'striking' is what makes the time 'noticeable' to everyone in the village, which mirrors how the adjective 'striking' makes a feature 'noticeable' to an observer.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈstraɪ.kɪŋ/

US /ˈstraɪ.kɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: STRI-king.

Rima com

liking hiking biking viking spiking psyching dyking mic-ing

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'g' at the end too hard (it should be a soft nasal sound).
Shortening the 'ai' sound to a short 'i' like in 'stick'.
Adding an extra vowel between 's' and 't' (e.g., 'estriking').
Mumbling the 'str' cluster.
Putting the stress on the second syllable (stri-KING).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in journalism and literature, but usually clear from context.

Escrita 4/5

Requires understanding of collocations like 'striking resemblance' to use naturally.

Expressão oral 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but often replaced by 'cool' or 'pretty' in casual speech.

Audição 2/5

The word is distinct and usually emphasized by the speaker.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

notice beautiful different impressive strike

Aprenda a seguir

remarkable stunning conspicuous salient arresting

Avançado

juxtaposition disparity evocative prominent unprecedented

Gramática essencial

Adjective Order

A striking [opinion] large [size] old [age] red [color] car.

Non-gradable vs. Gradable

While 'striking' is often used with 'very,' it can also act as an absolute adjective in formal contexts.

Adverbs of Degree

Use 'strikingly' to modify adjectives: 'The two plans are strikingly different.'

Participle Adjectives

'Striking' is a present participle used as an adjective, similar to 'interesting' or 'exciting'.

Predicative Adjectives

After verbs of perception: 'The resemblance seemed striking to everyone.'

Exemplos por nível

The red flower is very striking in the green garden.

La fleur rouge est très frappante dans le jardin vert.

Adjective modifying the noun 'flower'.

She has striking blue eyes.

Elle a des yeux bleus frappants.

Attributive adjective before the noun 'eyes'.

The mountain looks striking in the snow.

La montagne est frappante sous la neige.

Predicative adjective after the linking verb 'looks'.

He wore a striking yellow hat.

Il portait un chapeau jaune frappant.

Adjective phrase 'striking yellow' modifying 'hat'.

The sunset was striking last night.

Le coucher de soleil était frappant hier soir.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

The big house is striking.

La grande maison est frappante.

Predicative adjective.

Look at that striking bird!

Regarde cet oiseau frappant !

Imperative sentence with an adjective.

The colors in this book are striking.

Les couleurs de ce livre sont frappantes.

Plural subject with a predicative adjective.

There is a striking similarity between the two brothers.

Il y a une ressemblance frappante entre les deux frères.

Common collocation: 'striking similarity'.

The actor has a striking face.

L'acteur a un visage frappant.

Used to describe physical appearance.

The difference in price is striking.

La différence de prix est frappante.

Used to highlight a contrast.

The new building is very striking.

Le nouveau bâtiment est très frappant.

Modified by the adverb 'very'.

She made a striking entrance at the party.

Elle a fait une entrée frappante à la fête.

Used with the noun 'entrance'.

The painting has striking colors.

Le tableau a des couleurs frappantes.

Describing visual elements.

It was a striking change from the usual routine.

C'était un changement frappant par rapport à la routine habituelle.

Used to describe a change.

The most striking thing was the silence.

La chose la plus frappante était le silence.

Superlative form 'most striking'.

The most striking feature of the landscape is the deep canyon.

La caractéristique la plus frappante du paysage est le canyon profond.

Using 'feature' with 'striking'.

The results of the study were quite striking.

Les résultats de l'étude étaient assez frappants.

Modified by 'quite' for emphasis.

There is a striking contrast between the rich and poor areas of the city.

Il y a un contraste frappant entre les quartiers riches et pauvres de la ville.

Common collocation: 'striking contrast'.

Her striking performance won her many awards.

Sa performance frappante lui a valu de nombreux prix.

Describing a performance or action.

The book's cover is striking and catches the eye immediately.

La couverture du livre est frappante et attire immédiatement le regard.

Used with 'catches the eye'.

It is striking how quickly the children learned the new language.

Il est frappant de voir à quel point les enfants ont appris la nouvelle langue rapidement.

Introductory 'It is striking how...' structure.

The athlete's striking speed helped the team win.

La vitesse frappante de l'athlète a aidé l'équipe à gagner.

Describing a physical quality.

The museum has a striking collection of modern art.

Le musée possède une collection frappante d'art moderne.

Describing a collection.

The striking disparity in wealth has led to social unrest.

La disparité frappante des richesses a conduit à des troubles sociaux.

Academic use with 'disparity'.

The architect used striking geometric shapes in the design.

L'architecte a utilisé des formes géométriques frappantes dans la conception.

Describing design elements.

There is a striking parallel between the two historical events.

Il y a un parallèle frappant entre les deux événements historiques.

Common collocation: 'striking parallel'.

The movie's striking visual effects were praised by critics.

Les effets visuels frappants du film ont été salués par la critique.

Used in the context of media criticism.

It is striking that no one noticed the error for so long.

Il est frappant que personne n'ait remarqué l'erreur pendant si longtemps.

Clause structure: 'It is striking that...'.

The desert landscape is striking in its emptiness.

Le paysage désertique est frappant par son vide.

Using 'in its [noun]' to specify the reason.

The author provides a striking example of the problem in the first chapter.

L'auteur fournit un exemple frappant du problème dans le premier chapitre.

Common in academic writing: 'striking example'.

The striking resemblance to her mother was evident to everyone.

La ressemblance frappante avec sa mère était évidente pour tout le monde.

Noun phrase as the subject.

The most striking aspect of the report is the lack of evidence.

L'aspect le plus frappant du rapport est le manque de preuves.

Used to highlight a critical deficiency.

The contrast between the two theories is striking and profound.

Le contraste entre les deux théories est frappant et profond.

Paired with 'profound' for emphasis.

The city's striking skyline is a testament to its economic growth.

L'horizon frappant de la ville témoigne de sa croissance économique.

Used in a formal, appreciative context.

There is a striking correlation between poverty and poor health outcomes.

Il existe une corrélation frappante entre la pauvreté et les mauvais résultats en matière de santé.

Scientific/Statistical collocation: 'striking correlation'.

The striking imagery in the poem evokes a sense of deep melancholy.

L'imagerie frappante du poème évoque un sentiment de profonde mélancolie.

Literary analysis.

The striking difference in their approaches led to a creative breakthrough.

La différence frappante dans leurs approches a conduit à une percée créative.

Describing a productive contrast.

It is strikingly obvious that the current system is no longer functional.

Il est frappant de constater que le système actuel n'est plus fonctionnel.

Adverbial form 'strikingly' modifying an adjective.

The striking beauty of the cathedral left the visitors in awe.

La beauté frappante de la cathédrale a laissé les visiteurs dans l'admiration.

Used to describe intense aesthetic impact.

The striking juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern skyscrapers defines the city.

La juxtaposition frappante de ruines antiques et de gratte-ciel modernes définit la ville.

Advanced vocabulary: 'juxtaposition'.

The striking absence of any critical commentary in the press was noted by observers.

L'absence frappante de tout commentaire critique dans la presse a été notée par les observateurs.

Using 'striking' to describe a lack of something.

Her striking ability to synthesize complex information is her greatest asset.

Sa capacité frappante à synthétiser des informations complexes est son plus grand atout.

Describing an intellectual skill.

The striking originality of the composer's work challenged existing musical norms.

L'originalité frappante de l'œuvre du compositeur a remis en question les normes musicales existantes.

Used in high-level arts criticism.

There is a striking lack of consensus among experts regarding the cause of the phenomenon.

Il y a un manque frappant de consensus parmi les experts concernant la cause du phénomène.

Formal phrase: 'striking lack of consensus'.

The striking clarity of the water allowed us to see the seabed clearly.

La clarté frappante de l'eau nous a permis de voir clairement le fond marin.

Describing a physical property with precision.

The striking divergence in their career paths was unexpected given their similar backgrounds.

La divergence frappante de leurs parcours professionnels était inattendue compte tenu de leurs antécédents similaires.

Advanced collocation: 'striking divergence'.

The striking poignancy of the final scene left the audience in tears.

Le caractère poignant et frappant de la scène finale a laissé le public en larmes.

Describing emotional impact.

Colocações comuns

striking resemblance

striking contrast

striking similarity

striking feature

striking difference

striking example

striking beauty

striking appearance

striking development

strikingly similar

Frases Comuns

It is striking that...

A striking lack of...

Striking distance

Most striking of all

Striking a balance

Striking a pose

Striking a chord

Striking out

A striking image

Strikingly beautiful

Frequentemente confundido com

striking vs Stuck

'Stuck' is the past participle of 'stick' (cannot move). 'Striking' is about being noticeable.

striking vs Stroking

'Stroking' is a gentle movement of the hand. 'Striking' is much more forceful and visual.

striking vs Stricken

'Stricken' means seriously affected by something bad (e.g., poverty-stricken). 'Striking' is usually neutral or positive.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Within striking distance"

Very close to achieving something or reaching a destination. It implies that the goal is reachable with one final effort.

The team is now within striking distance of the championship title.

neutral

"Strike while the iron is hot"

To take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it exists. (Verb use, but related to the 'impact' theme).

We should strike while the iron is hot and sign the contract today.

informal

"Strike it rich"

To suddenly become very wealthy, often through luck or a successful venture.

They struck it rich when they found oil on their land.

informal

"Strike a bargain"

To reach an agreement on a price or a deal.

After hours of negotiation, they finally struck a bargain.

neutral

"Strike a light"

An old-fashioned British exclamation of surprise.

Strike a light! I haven't seen you in years!

informal/dated

"Strike gold"

To find something very valuable or to be very successful in an undertaking.

The company struck gold with its new smartphone app.

informal

"Strike fear into"

To make someone feel very afraid.

The sight of the shark struck fear into the hearts of the swimmers.

neutral

"Strike a match"

To light a match by rubbing it against a rough surface.

He struck a match to light the candle.

neutral

"Strike a deal"

To come to a formal agreement, especially in business or politics.

The two companies struck a deal to merge next year.

neutral

"Strike a note"

To express a particular feeling or attitude in a speech or piece of writing.

The president's speech struck a note of hope for the future.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

striking vs Stunning

Both mean impressive and attractive.

'Stunning' is more about beauty that shocks or overwhelms. 'Striking' is more about being clearly noticeable or unusual.

A stunning diamond ring vs. a striking modern ring.

striking vs Startling

Both imply a sudden impact.

'Startling' usually means surprising in a way that makes you jump or feel slightly afraid. 'Striking' is more about visual or logical impact.

A startling noise vs. a striking resemblance.

striking vs Conspicuous

Both mean easy to see.

'Conspicuous' often has a negative or neutral tone (standing out when you don't want to). 'Striking' is more positive or descriptive.

A conspicuous stain on a shirt vs. a striking pattern on a shirt.

striking vs Noticeable

Both mean can be noticed.

'Noticeable' is a very simple, weak word. 'Striking' is much stronger and suggests the thing is impressive.

A noticeable change in temperature vs. a striking change in the landscape.

striking vs Remarkable

Both mean worthy of attention.

'Remarkable' is broader and can refer to quality or history. 'Striking' is usually more about immediate sensory or logical impact.

A remarkable achievement vs. a striking visual display.

Padrões de frases

The [Noun] is striking.

The flower is striking.

There is a striking [Noun] between [A] and [B].

There is a striking similarity between the two cars.

The most striking feature of [Something] is [Noun].

The most striking feature of the house is the big window.

It is striking how [Adverb] [Subject] [Verb].

It is striking how quickly the company grew.

The [Noun] provides a striking contrast to [Something else].

His silence provided a striking contrast to the loud music.

The striking [Noun] of [Something] is a testament to [Something else].

The striking beauty of the poem is a testament to the author's skill.

She has striking [Body Part].

She has striking green eyes.

[Something] is strikingly [Adjective].

The two brothers are strikingly different.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

Common in written English, especially in journalism, art criticism, and academic papers. Moderately common in spoken English.

Erros comuns

He gave me a striking blow. → He gave me a heavy/powerful blow.
'Striking' as an adjective doesn't mean physical hitting; it means noticeable.
The coffee was striking. → The coffee was excellent/delicious.
'Striking' is for things that are visually or logically remarkable, not for tastes or smells usually.
There is a striking between them. → There is a striking resemblance/difference between them.
'Striking' is an adjective and needs a noun to modify.
She is very striking beautiful. → She is strikingly beautiful.
Use the adverb 'strikingly' to modify another adjective like 'beautiful'.
I saw a striking man hitting a dog. → I saw a man striking a dog.
In the first sentence, 'striking' describes the man's looks. In the second, 'striking' is the action he is doing.

Dicas

Use for Contrast

When you want to show a big difference between two things, 'striking contrast' is the perfect phrase. It sounds much more professional than 'big difference.'

Complimenting People

If you want to tell someone they look good in a way that sounds sophisticated, say they have a 'striking' look. It suggests they have a powerful and unique beauty.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'striking' for everything. If something is just 'okay' or 'nice,' use those words. Save 'striking' for things that truly stand out from the crowd.

Highlighting Data

In reports, use 'striking' to point out the most important findings. It acts like a highlighter for your reader, telling them 'look at this part!'

Emphasis

When you say 'striking,' try to put a little more energy into the word. It's a strong word, so it should sound strong when you say it.

Adverb Form

Remember 'strikingly.' It's a great way to start a sentence: 'Strikingly, the company made a profit despite the crisis.'

Nature Descriptions

Use 'striking' for landscapes. 'The striking cliffs' or 'the striking desert' helps the reader visualize a scene that is dramatic and powerful.

Art Criticism

If you're talking about a movie or a painting, 'striking imagery' is a great phrase to describe the visual parts that you remember most.

Similarities

If two things are surprisingly similar, use 'striking similarity.' It implies that the similarity is so strong it's almost hard to believe.

The 'Strike' Connection

Always remember that it comes from 'strike.' If something 'strikes' your mind, it is 'striking.' This connection makes the meaning easy to remember.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a lightning STRIKE. It is bright, sudden, and you cannot look away. Something STRIKING is just like that—it hits your eyes and stays in your mind.

Associação visual

Imagine a single neon pink umbrella in a sea of black umbrellas on a rainy day. That pink umbrella is 'striking.'

Word Web

Noticeable Impressive Stunning Contrast Similarity Visual Impact Remarkable

Desafio

Try to find three 'striking' things in your room right now. Write a sentence for each using the word 'striking' and explain why they stand out.

Origem da palavra

The word 'striking' comes from the Middle English verb 'striken,' which meant 'to rub, wipe, or move.' This evolved into the modern 'strike,' meaning 'to hit.' The adjectival use 'striking' (meaning 'noticeable') emerged in the 17th century, based on the idea of something 'striking' the eye or the mind with force.

Significado original: The original sense was related to physical movement or hitting. The shift to a figurative meaning (hitting the senses) happened as people sought words to describe powerful visual or mental impressions.

Germanic (Old English 'strican,' related to German 'streichen').

Contexto cultural

While 'striking' is usually positive, be careful when using it for people's features that might be considered unusual. It focuses on the 'impact' of the look, which can sometimes be interpreted as 'different' rather than 'traditionally beautiful.'

In the UK and US, calling someone 'striking' is a sophisticated compliment. It suggests they have a strong, memorable presence.

The 'Striking' architecture of the Sydney Opera House. The 'Striking' resemblance of Princess Charlotte to her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The 'Striking' use of chiaroscuro (light and dark) in Caravaggio's paintings.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Describing People

striking looks
striking eyes
striking features
striking presence

Comparing Things

striking resemblance
striking similarity
striking contrast
striking difference

Art and Design

striking colors
striking imagery
striking architecture
striking composition

Data and Science

striking results
striking correlation
striking disparity
striking lack of

Nature and Travel

striking landscape
striking sunset
striking view
striking beauty

Iniciadores de conversa

"What is the most striking building you have ever seen in your life?"

"Do you think you have a striking resemblance to anyone in your family?"

"What was the most striking thing you noticed when you first visited this city?"

"Have you ever seen a striking sunset that you still remember today?"

"What is a striking difference between your culture and the one you are living in now?"

Temas para diário

Describe a person you know who has a striking personality. What makes them stand out from everyone else?

Write about a striking piece of news you heard recently. Why did it catch your attention so much?

Think of a place you have visited. Describe its most striking features using as much detail as possible.

Discuss a striking change you have noticed in yourself over the last five years.

If you were an artist, what striking image would you want to create to represent 'peace'?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, it can. While often used for beauty, you can say 'a striking failure' or 'a striking lack of progress.' In these cases, it means the failure or lack is very obvious and impressive in its magnitude.

As an adjective, no. As a verb participle ('He was striking the ball'), yes. But when you say 'The view is striking,' it only means the view is impressive, not that it is physically hitting anything.

Use it as an adverb to modify adjectives. For example, 'The two sisters are strikingly similar.' This means they are similar in a way that is very easy to notice.

This is a very common phrase meaning that two people or things look almost exactly the same. For example, 'There is a striking resemblance between the actor and his son.'

It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine to use in a casual conversation about a beautiful sunset, but it is also very common in academic writing and news reports.

Yes, 'striking' is a gradable adjective. You can compare things by saying one is 'more striking' than another, or that something is the 'most striking' thing you've seen.

It means being very close to achieving a goal. For example, if a runner is only 5 meters behind the leader, they are 'within striking distance' of winning.

No. It means 'noticeable.' A person can have a 'striking' face that is interesting or unusual without being traditionally 'pretty.' A 'striking' contrast can be between two ugly things.

'Arresting' is a bit more literary and implies that the thing literally 'stops' you because it is so unusual. 'Striking' is more common and versatile.

Yes, but it's less common than visual descriptions. You might hear 'a striking silence' or 'a striking melody,' meaning they are very noticeable and unusual.