# refreshingly

/ɹiˈfɹɛʃɪŋɫi/ (US) · /ɹɪfɹˈɛʃɪŋli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refreshingly
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

in a way that is pleasantly new, different, or surprising. You use this when something makes you feel better because it is not boring or expected.

For teachers: in a manner that provides a pleasant change or relief from what is usual or expected.

## Examples

- The new manager is refreshingly honest about the company's problems.
- After a long day of complex meetings, her simple and direct explanation was refreshingly clear.
- The film's ending was refreshingly unpredictable, subverting the tired tropes that usually dominate the romantic comedy genre.

## Usage notes

- Often used to modify adjectives that describe a positive quality, such as 'honest', 'candid', or 'different'.

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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.