ripping
- 01 C1 Advanced
adj.very good or exciting. You use this in a casual way to show you really like something.
adj.an intensifier used to describe something as excellent, splendid, or first-rate. This usage is increasingly dated but persists in certain British and Commonwealth dialects.
Simple“We had a ripping time at the party last night.”
In context“The children returned from the seaside claiming they had enjoyed a ripping adventure in the caves.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is mostly found in older British literature or used ironically today; modern speakers would prefer 'awesome' or 'great'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.moving with great speed or power.
adj.moving or proceeding with great speed, force, or momentum.
Simple“The car went ripping past us on the motorway.”
In context“The boat went ripping through the waves, leaving a massive wake behind it as it headed toward the harbour.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the sound or action of something being torn apart.
n.the action or sound of tearing something apart; functions as a gerund or verbal noun.
Simple“The loud ripping of the fabric made everyone in the room turn around.”
In context“The constant ripping of paper was the only sound heard in the office as they cleared out the old files.”
Synonymstearlaceration
“As Mofokeng fled, a bullet grazed the inside of his right foot, ripping his shoe off.”
“The US president said Canada had been “ripping off” the US for years and that it was “among the worst Nations in the World to deal with”.”