amazing
Causing great surprise, wonder, or admiration.
Word facts
Definition
Amazing describes something that causes great surprise, admiration, or wonder. Something amazing is so impressive, unusual, or excellent that it produces a strong reaction. The word is often used to express enthusiastic approval or genuine astonishment.
Usage: Amazing is very common in informal speech, often as a general positive intensifier. In formal or academic writing, a more specific word like 'extraordinary' or 'remarkable' is usually more precise and less worn out.
Example sentences
- 1
The performance was amazing — the crowd jumped to its feet for a standing ovation.
- 2
She has an amazing ability to remember names after meeting someone just once.
- 3
The view from the mountaintop was absolutely amazing, worth every step of the climb.
Word family
From the verb amaze (Old English amasian, 'to confuse or stun'). Originally meant 'to overwhelm or daze'. Over centuries it softened into a pleasant sense of wonder and astonishment.
Amazing has 'maze' inside it — a-MAZE-ing. Something amazing can feel like stumbling into a maze of wonder, where every turn surprises you.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
How many syllables does amazing have?
Amazing has 3 syllables: a-maz-ing. The stress is on the second syllable: a-MAZ-ing.
What is the verb form of amazing?
The verb is amaze. Example: The results amazed everyone who attended.
What is the difference between amazing and surprised?
Surprised is a reaction to something unexpected. Amazing suggests deep wonder or very strong admiration — it goes further than just being surprised.
What is the noun form of amazing?
The noun form is amazement. Example: She stared in amazement at the discovery.