Striking: Definition and Synonyms
Definition and Part of Speech
Striking is primarily used as an adjective or a verb.
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As an adjective, “striking” describes something that captures attention due to its outstanding, unusual, or impressive qualities. It can refer to anything from appearance (a striking outfit) to behavior (a striking performance).
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As a verb, “to strike” means to hit or attack someone or something with force.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of synonyms for the adjective use of “striking,” along with nuances and example sentences:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impressive | Conveys admiration; often used in contexts emphasizing beauty or skill. | “Her painting was truly impressive.” | Formal/Academic |
| Eye-catching | Focuses on visual appeal that attracts attention. | “The billboard’s design was eye-catching.” | Informal/Casual |
| Noteworthy | Highlights significance or importance; used in more formal contexts. | “His research contributions are noteworthy.” | Business/Professional |
| Remarkable | Suggests something extraordinary or worth noting. | “It’s remarkable how he remembers details.” | Formal/Academic, Informal |
| Unusual | Indicates deviation from the norm; can imply both positive and negative connotations. | “Her fashion sense is quite unusual for this town.” | Casual/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Impressive: Often used in contexts where admiration or esteem is meant to be conveyed, such as in academic papers or formal presentations.
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Eye-catching: Ideal for informal settings or marketing materials, emphasizing the visual appeal that makes something stand out immediately.
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Noteworthy: Suited for business and professional environments where highlighting significant achievements or characteristics is essential.
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Remarkable: Versatile across contexts, from casual conversation to academic writing, when discussing extraordinary qualities or events.
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Unusual: Used when there’s a need to express deviation from what is common, useful in storytelling or descriptive essays.
Common Pitfalls
A potential pitfall with “striking” and its synonyms is the overlap in meaning. For example:
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While both “remarkable” and “striking” can imply extraordinary qualities, “remarkable” often carries a stronger sense of admiration.
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The term “eye-catching” might be confused with merely attractive; however, it specifically refers to visual elements that draw attention.
Final Recap
In summary, the adjective form of striking encompasses qualities that make something stand out due to their impressiveness or uniqueness. Its synonyms include:
- Impressive: Conveys admiration.
- Eye-catching: Highlights visual appeal.
- Noteworthy: Emphasizes importance.
- Remarkable: Suggests extraordinariness.
- Unusual: Indicates deviation from the norm.
Each synonym offers a slight nuance, making it suitable for different contexts such as formal writing, casual conversation, or business communication. Practicing these words in sentences relevant to specific situations can help learners understand their subtle differences and apply them effectively. Encouraging readers to use these synonyms actively will enhance their vocabulary and expressive capabilities.