ENGLISH
REFERENCE

startling

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈstɑɹtɫɪŋ// UK //stˈɑːtlɪŋ// star·tling

adj. very surprising, shocking, or unusual. You use this to describe something that catches your attention because it is so unexpected.

adj. causing a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm; highly remarkable or unexpected. Often used to describe data, news, or physical appearances.


SIMPLE

The news of his sudden resignation was startling.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers discovered a startling connection between the two rare diseases that had previously gone unnoticed.

COMPLEX

The report revealed a startling discrepancy between the projected budget and the actual expenditure, prompting an immediate internal audit of the department's financial records.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used attributively before a noun to emphasize the degree of surprise.

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