English Reference
adjective

amazing

adj.
US /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/ UK /ɐmˈeɪzɪŋ/ amaz·ing

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    causing great surprise or wonder because it is so unusual.

    causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing in nature.

    Simple

    It is amazing how much the city has changed in just five years.

    In context

    The speed of the recovery was truly amazing, defying the predictions of even the most optimistic medical experts.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Informal

    very good, impressive, or enjoyable.

    possessing uniquely wonderful qualities; an informal intensifier for excellence.

    Simple

    We had an amazing time at the concert last night.

    In context

    The hospitality we received was amazing, making what could have been a stressful trip quite pleasant.

    Teacher's tip

    In professional writing, this sense can feel overused or imprecise; suggest 'exceptional' or 'superb' as alternatives.

Usage

Commonly modified by 'absolutely' or 'truly' for emphasis.

Pitfall
I am amazing at the movieI am amazed by the movie

Learners often confuse the '-ing' adjective (describing the thing) with the '-ed' adjective (describing their own feeling).

Usage amazing father · amazing things


From amaze + -ing, from Old English āmasian.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English āmasian
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated