fabulous
- 01 B1 Intermediate
very good, excellent, or impressive.
used as an intensive to express high approval or admiration. Often used in informal speech to describe experiences or appearances.
Simple“We had a fabulous time at the party last night.”
In context“The resort offered fabulous views of the coastline, making it a popular destination for photographers and tourists alike.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
looking very stylish, glamorous, or attractive.
denoting a high degree of style, glamour, or aesthetic appeal. Often carries a sense of performative or high-fashion elegance.
Simple“She looked absolutely fabulous in her new silk dress.”
In context“The gala was filled with fabulous guests wearing avant-garde designs that pushed the boundaries of modern fashion.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
relating to fables or old stories about magic and heroes.
pertaining to, or of the nature of, a fable or myth. Often used to describe legendary creatures or impossible wealth.
Simple“The book is full of fabulous creatures like dragons and unicorns.”
In context“The explorer spent his life searching for the fabulous city of gold mentioned in ancient Spanish chronicles.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
so great or large that it is hard to believe.
resembling a fable in being exaggerated or incredible; exceeding the bounds of probability.
Simple“The company grew at a fabulous speed during its first year.”
In context“The monarch was known for his fabulous wealth, which was said to exceed the combined treasuries of all his neighbours.”
Synonyms
“Then they go dark and we’re left with only bodies, a new world – black catsuits swapped for fabulous, shining gold.”
“We all want her to have a fabulous third act to her career.”
From Late Middle English fabulous, fabulose, from Latin fābulōsus (“celebrated in fable”); Equivalent to fable + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.