Word
stirring
Phoneticsstir·ring, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɝɪŋ/
UK/stˈɜːɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01inspiring
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. causing strong feelings of excitement, pride, or energy.
adj. evoking strong positive emotions, particularly inspiration, enthusiasm, or resolve.
“The leader gave a stirring speech that made everyone want to help.”
“The film concludes with a stirring orchestral score that perfectly captures the protagonist's hard-won triumph over adversity.”
Antonyms
02a beginning feeling
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. the very beginning of a feeling, an idea, or a movement.
n. the initial sign or early development of a feeling, tendency, or social activity.
“She felt the first stirrings of doubt about her decision to move.”
“The late eighteenth century witnessed the first stirrings of the industrial revolution in the small textile towns of northern England.”
Synonyms
03mixing or moving
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of moving a spoon around in a liquid or a slight physical movement.
n. the act of agitating a substance or a slight physical displacement.
“The sauce needs constant stirring so it does not burn on the bottom.”
“After hours of silence in the forest, the sudden stirring of leaves suggested a large animal was approaching the camp.”
Real-World Examples
“Webster, 29, from Lapworth, Warwickshire, admitted 10 counts of stirring up racial hatred online , including ones calling for the killing and extinction of his racial "enemies".” “The tale that emerges (squeaky-clean David learns to live a little) is simple but stirring, and Morpurgo ladles on poignancy at the end with an imagined “where are they now?” sequence.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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