Usage pattern:
[someone]/[something] is/looks stunning
You look absolutely stunning in that dress.
Egyszerűen lenyűgözően nézel ki abban a ruhában.
The view from the top of the mountain was simply stunning.
A kilátás a hegy tetejéről egyszerűen lenyűgöző volt.
The dancers gave a stunning performance that left the audience speechless.
The gallery was full of stunning photographs from around the world.
Their new home has a stunning kitchen with huge windows and marble counters.
Learner examples
She looks stunning in that red dress.
Lenyűgözően néz ki abban a piros ruhában.
The beach is stunning at sunset.
A tengerpart naplementekor lenyűgöző.
We saw a stunning show last night.
His painting is small but stunning.
The hotel lobby was clean and stunning.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "stunning" only for people, but it is also very common for places, clothes, performances, and other things (e.g., "a stunning view", "a stunning design"). Another mistake is saying *"very stunning"; native speakers usually say "absolutely/quite/really stunning" instead.
Meaning
extremely beautiful or impressive
Collocations
look stunning
|absolutely stunning
|stunning view
|stunning scenery
|stunning dress
|stunning performance
Synonyms
gorgeous (Very common for people and clothes; a bit warmer and more personal.)
|
breathtaking (Emphasizes the impact on your feelings, often for views or experiences.)
|
spectacular (Sounds slightly more formal and is often used for shows, events, and scenes.)
Antonyms
ugly (Direct opposite when talking about physical appearance.)
|
unimpressive (Opposite when talking about general effect or quality, not just beauty.)
Themes
appearance
|emotions
|art
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Definition
Very, very beautiful or amazing to see or experience.
Extremely attractive or impressive in a way that strongly affects the senses, especially sight.
Usage pattern:
a stunning [result/news/revelation/defeat]
The president made a stunning announcement that he would resign immediately.
Az elnök megdöbbentő bejelentést tett: azonnali hatállyal lemond.
Scientists have made a stunning discovery about the origins of the virus.
A tudósok megdöbbentő felfedezést tettek a vírus eredetével kapcsolatban.
Their team’s stunning defeat shocked fans around the world.
The report contained the stunning revelation that data had been secretly deleted.
In a stunning upset, the underdogs beat the defending champions by three goals.
Learner examples
The news was stunning for everyone at the office.
A hír mindenki számára megdöbbentő volt az irodában.
It was a stunning defeat for the home team.
Ez megdöbbentő vereség volt a hazai csapat számára.
The teacher’s decision to leave was stunning to the students.
The movie ends with a stunning twist.
Her sudden move to another country was stunning to her family.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with the "very beautiful" meaning and describe people as "stunning" when they really want to say that the person is shocked (which would be "stunned"). For example, "She was stunning by the news" is wrong; it should be "She was stunned by the news" for the surprised feeling, or "She was stunning" for appearance.
Meaning
extremely surprising or shocking
Collocations
stunning revelation
|stunning announcement
|stunning news
|stunning defeat
|stunning victory
|stunning upset
Synonyms
shocking (Often stronger for negative situations; more focused on disturbance or upset.)
|
astonishing (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and not always emotional.)
|
startling (Adds a feeling of being suddenly surprised or alarmed.)
Antonyms
unsurprising (Describes results or news that do not surprise anyone.)
|
predictable (Opposite in the sense that it is expected rather than surprising.)
Themes
emotions
|news_media
|sports
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very surprising or shocking and often hard to believe.
Extremely surprising or shocking, often in a sudden way that strongly affects people.
Usage pattern:
a stunning [blow/punch/impact]
He collapsed after taking a stunning blow to the head.
Összeesett, miután kábító erejű ütést kapott a fejére.
The boxer recovered quickly from the stunning punch in the second round.
A bokszoló gyorsan magához tért a második menetben kapott kábító erejű ütés után.
The explosion sent out a stunning shock wave that knocked people off their feet.
Workers must wear helmets to protect them from any stunning impact from falling objects.
The stun gun delivers a stunning electric charge that can disable an attacker for several seconds.
Learner examples
The player fell after a stunning blow to his jaw.
A játékos elesett, miután kábító erejű ütés érte az állát.
The car crash created a stunning impact on the wall.
Az autóbalesetben kábító erejű volt az ütközés a fallal.
The fighter stood up again after a stunning punch.
He wore a helmet to avoid a stunning hit on the head.
The device gives a stunning electric shock.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix this meaning with the emotional uses and think "stunning" always means "very beautiful" or "very surprising." In safety or sports contexts, a "stunning blow" is physical, not emotional. Also, some learners confuse "stunning" with the noun "stun gun" and treat it as a noun; here it is an adjective describing the effect.
Meaning
causing someone to be dazed or unconscious
Collocations
stunning blow
|stunning punch
|stunning impact
|stunning force
Synonyms
dazing (Focuses on making someone feel confused or dizzy rather than fully unconscious.)
|
knockout (Common in boxing; often stronger, suggesting complete loss of consciousness.)
Antonyms
gentle (A blow that is gentle does not cause confusion or unconsciousness.)
|
harmless (Suggests that the force does not injure or seriously affect the person.)
Themes
health
|sports
|safety
|body
Definition
Making a person weak, confused, or knocked out for a short time, usually by a hit or strong force.
Causing someone to become temporarily unconscious, confused, or unable to think or move clearly, especially because of a blow or powerful force.