Word
dashing
Phoneticsdash·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdæʃɪŋ/
UK/dˈæʃɪŋ/
Literary
Definition
adj. describing a man who looks very attractive, stylish, and full of confidence.
adj. characterised by an attractive, stylish, and confident appearance. Typically used to describe men; often carries a connotation of old-fashioned charm or gallantry.
Examples
“He looks very dashing in his new suit.”
“The actor made a dashing entrance at the film premiere, wearing a perfectly tailored tuxedo.”
“In the classic novel, the protagonist is portrayed as a dashing young officer whose charisma and impeccable dress make him the center of attention at every social gathering.”
Examples
simple
“He looks very dashing in his new suit.”
contextual
“The actor made a dashing entrance at the film premiere, wearing a perfectly tailored tuxedo.”
complex
“In the classic novel, the protagonist is portrayed as a dashing young officer whose charisma and impeccable dress make him the center of attention at every social gathering.”
Usage
Primarily used as an attributive adjective before a noun, though it can follow linking verbs like 'look' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“In They Died with Their Boots On , a huge 1941 hit, Erroll Flynn gave moviegoers a dashing and heroic Custer.” “Dashing past on her way to do the school run, co-owner Rebecca Barrows stops at my table for a chat.” Etymology
From Middle English daschande, equivalent to dash + -ing.
From Middle English dasshyng, dasshynge, equivalent to dash + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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