striking

striking — adjective

1. Something that is striking is so unusual, impressive, or different from what is

1.形容詞B1
釋義

Something that is striking is so unusual, impressive, or different from what is normal that it catches your attention immediately.

例句

The most striking feature of the old church was its bright blue roof.

collocation: striking feature

Brooke noticed a striking difference between the two paintings in the gallery.

collocation: striking difference

同義詞
  • noticeable

    less intense; simply means easy to see, without the sense of unusualness that striking carries

  • conspicuous

    more formal; often suggests something stands out in a way that is hard to ignore but may be negative or unwanted

  • eye-catching

    more informal; used especially for visual things like designs, colours, or advertisements

  • prominent

    emphasises position or importance rather than unusualness

反義詞

用法筆記

Common in academic and descriptive writing. Frequently used before nouns expressing a comparison (difference, similarity, contrast, resemblance).

常見錯誤

❌The dress was very striking red.
✅The dress was a striking shade of red.
💡'striking' is an adjective that describes a noun, not an intensifier for colours.
❌I was striking by the news.
✅The news was striking.' or 'I was struck by the news.
💡'striking' is an adjective; the verb form for personal reaction is 'struck'.

2. A person who is striking has an unusual and impressive physical beauty that is i

2.形容詞B2
釋義

A person who is striking has an unusual and impressive physical beauty that is immediately noticeable and memorable.

例句

Nora has a striking face that photographers love to capture.

The woman at the counter was so striking that everyone turned to look.

predicative use: be + striking

同義詞
  • beautiful

    more general and common; does not carry the sense of unusual or memorable features

  • gorgeous

    more informal and intense; emphasises pure physical appeal rather than distinctiveness

  • handsome

    used especially for men or for women with strong, fine features

  • stunning

    similar intensity to striking, but more about shock or amazement than distinctiveness

反義詞

用法筆記

Unlike 'beautiful' or 'handsome,' striking often suggests that the person's attractiveness comes from unusual or distinctive features rather than conventional good looks. Can be used for both men and women.

常見錯誤

❌The sunset was striking.' (when meaning beautiful)
✅The sunset was beautiful/gorgeous.
💡'striking' for a person's unusual beauty; for landscapes and sunsets use other adjectives.
❌She is a striking woman and a striking singer.
✅She is a striking woman and a talented singer.
💡'striking' does not naturally extend to skills or personality.