# amazing

/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐmˈeɪzɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amazing
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. surprising

adjective · CEFR A1

causing great surprise or wonder because it is so unusual.

For teachers: causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing in nature.

- It is amazing how much the city has changed in just five years.
- The speed of the recovery was truly amazing, defying the predictions of even the most optimistic medical experts.

### 2. excellent

adjective · CEFR A2 · Informal

very good, impressive, or enjoyable.

For teachers: possessing uniquely wonderful qualities; an informal intensifier for excellence.

- We had an amazing time at the concert last night.
- The hospitality we received was amazing, making what could have been a stressful trip quite pleasant.

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

## Examples

- The view from the top of the mountain is amazing.
- We had an amazing time at the concert last night because the band played all our favorite songs.
- The scientist's ability to explain such complex theories in simple terms was truly amazing, leaving the entire audience both informed and inspired.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am amazing at the movie" but "I am amazed by the movie" — Learners often confuse the '-ing' adjective (describing the thing) with the '-ed' adjective (describing their own feeling).

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.