startling
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈstɑrtlɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing surprise or shock; something that makes you feel startled.
Example
The sudden loud noise was startling and made everyone jump.
Conversation
Did you see that startling news about the storm coming our way?
Yeah, I couldn't believe how quickly it developed!
I know, right? It's so startling to think it could hit us so soon.
Let's make sure we have everything ready just in case.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shocking
surprising
jarring
Antonyms
unremarkable
ordinary
calm
verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel sudden shock or surprise.
Example
The loud noise was startling and made everyone jump.
Tense Forms
Past: startled
Past Participle: startled
Conversation
I heard a noise that was really startling last night.
What kind of noise was it?
It sounded like something fell in the kitchen.
Root Explanation
Startling is formed from "start" (from Old English "styrtan", meaning to leap up or jump) and the suffix "-ling" (which often denotes a characteristic or quality). The word "startling" describes something that causes a sudden leap or jump in surprise or alarm.
Memory Tip
Think of something that makes you 'jump' ('start') in surprise — that's why 'startling' means surprising.
Visually Confused Words
staling
unstarting
turtling
teatling
tattling
stratlin
storting
sterling