Word
towering
Phoneticstow·er·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtaʊɝɪŋ/
UK/tˈaʊəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. extremely tall, especially compared to the things around it. You use this to describe buildings, mountains, or even people who seem very impressive.
adj. reaching a great height; exceptionally tall or impressive in stature. Often used figuratively to describe dominance or superior influence within a field.
Examples
“The towering skyscraper is visible from miles away.”
“The climbers felt small and insignificant beneath the towering peaks of the Himalayas.”
“His towering intellect dominated the academic landscape for decades, leaving a legacy that few of his contemporaries could hope to match or even fully comprehend.”
Examples
simple
“The towering skyscraper is visible from miles away.”
contextual
“The climbers felt small and insignificant beneath the towering peaks of the Himalayas.”
complex
“His towering intellect dominated the academic landscape for decades, leaving a legacy that few of his contemporaries could hope to match or even fully comprehend.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; can also follow linking verbs like 'seem' or 'look'.
Real-World Examples
“That night in a maloca , the chief and his family were all sleeping deeply in their hammocks under the vast, towering roof.” “He gets Andy to lean his full height against a towering speaker stack.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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