What is striking? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "striking" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As an Adjective – Meaning “Noticeable” or “Remarkable”

This is the most common usage. “Striking” describes something that catches your eye and stands out. It suggests something is impressive, powerful, or memorable.

• Examples:
  • "She has a striking beauty – her eyes are a vibrant blue." (Noticeable beauty)
  • "The painting has a striking composition, using bold colors and unusual angles." (Remarkable composition)
  • "The contrast between the old building and the modern skyscrapers was striking." (Noticeable difference)
  • “He gave a striking performance as Hamlet.” (Remarkable performance)
  • "The sudden silence was striking." (Noticeable silence)

2. As an Adjective – Meaning “Sharp” or “Well-Defined” (Especially for features)

This usage is more specific and often relates to physical characteristics.

• Examples:
  • "He had striking cheekbones." (Sharp, well-defined)
  • "The mountains had a striking silhouette against the sunset." (Sharp outline)
  • “She had striking features – high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing eyes.” (Again, significant and noticeable)

3. As a Verb – Meaning “To Attract Attention”

This is a less common usage but still valid.

• Examples:
  • "The advertisement strikes a chord with young adults." (Appeals to)
  • “His speech struck a nerve with the audience.” (Caused a strong emotional reaction)
  • “The film strikes me as being overly sentimental.” (Appears to be)

Tips for Using "Striking" Effectively:

• Avoid overuse: “Striking” is a strong word. Don’t use it for everything that’s good or interesting. Save it for things that truly stand out.
• Consider synonyms: Sometimes, other words might be more precise, such as:
  • Notable: For something important or deserving attention.
  • Remarkable: For something exceptional.
  • Impressive: For something that evokes admiration.
  • Distinctive: For something unique.
  • Eye-catching: For something visually appealing.
• Combine with descriptive words: Adding details will make your description stronger. Instead of “a striking image,” try “a startlingly beautiful image with vibrant colors.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings and usage:

Part of Speech	Meaning	Examples
Adjective	Noticeable; Remarkable	"A striking performance," "Striking blue eyes"
Adjective	Sharp; Well-defined	"Striking cheekbones," "Striking silhouette"
Verb	To attract attention	"The advertisement strikes a chord."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to describe? (e.g., a person, a piece of art, a situation, an idea)
• What is the context of your writing/speaking? (e.g., a formal essay, a casual conversation, creative writing)