Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/

Definitions

• Adjective: Causing great surprise, wonder, or astonishment.
• Adjective: Extraordinary or remarkable in a way that is impressive or awe-inspiring.

Usage Examples

• "The view from the top of the mountain was simply amazing."
• "Her performance in the play was amazing, leaving the audience in awe."

Etymology

Originating from the verb 'amaze' (late Middle English), which comes from the Old French 'amaser' meaning to confuse, bewilder. The word 'amazing' evolved in the late 19th century to describe something that causes astonishment or admiration.

Synonyms

• astonishing
• incredible
• impressive
• marvelous
• extraordinary
• stunning

Antonyms

• unimpressive
• ordinary
• boring
• unremarkable
• mundane

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "amazing" is consistent across standard English dialects. However, regional accents may slightly affect the intonation and emphasis, particularly in terms of vowel sounds in certain regions like the Southern US or parts of the UK.

Historical Usage

The adjective 'amazing' emerged in English around the late 16th century as a direct form of the verb 'amaze,' which originally meant to stun or bewilder. The modern sense of "amazing" relating to something awe-inspiring or remarkable developed in the 19th century.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, "amazing" is often used to describe exceptional achievements, feats of nature, or experiences that go beyond the ordinary. It is commonly used to express admiration, whether for art, talent, or extraordinary events. In some cultures, however, "amazing" might carry a more casual or sarcastic tone when used to describe less remarkable things.

More Information

The concept of 'amazing' is integral to human culture and expression. Across all cultures, people tend to reserve this word for experiences or phenomena that defy the usual expectations of what is possible. In popular media, "amazing" is often used to highlight moments of wonder or achievement, reflecting the universal human desire to encounter the extraordinary.