Striking
'straɪkɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsImpressive, attracting attention.
'straɪkɪŋ
Attracting attention due to unusual or impressive qualities.
The model's striking beauty captivated the audience.
💡 Simply: Imagine seeing something that just makes you stop and stare because it's so cool or special. That's 'striking'! Like when you see a rainbow after a storm, or a really amazing outfit.
👶 For kids: Wow! When something is striking, it means it's really cool and catches your eye. Like a sparkly unicorn or a really tall tree!
More Examples
The architecture of the building was quite striking.
She made a striking entrance at the party.
How It's Used
"The painting had a striking use of color."
"She has a striking resemblance to her mother."
The act of hitting, attacking, or reaching something with a sudden force.
'straɪkɪŋ
The action of hitting something with force
The clock tower was striking noon.
💡 Simply: When something is 'striking,' it's like an action, like when you hit a baseball or when an idea suddenly comes to you. It's like *poof* – you've got it or you did it!
👶 For kids: When we say 'striking,' we mean that someone or something is hitting something or being hit.
More Examples
The boxer was striking his opponent with powerful blows.
The lightning was striking the trees in the forest.
How It's Used
"The pitcher was striking out batters."
"The earthquake was striking at dawn."
The act of stopping work to protest something
'straɪkɪŋ
The act of workers refusing to work.
The union voted for striking.
💡 Simply: When workers 'strike,' it means they stop working to make their boss listen about unfair conditions, like paying their dues. It's like, 'No work until you fix this!'.
👶 For kids: When people go on strike it means they decide not to work because they are unhappy about something at work.
More Examples
The strike resulted in the shutdown of the factory.
The striking workers were protesting low wages and bad working conditions.
How It's Used
"The workers are striking over wages and working conditions."
Synonyms
Attractive
Impressive
Noticeable
Remarkable
Banging
Hitting
Knocking
Idioms & expressions
striking a balance
To find a compromise between two different things.
"The government is trying to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection."
strike while the iron is hot
To act quickly while an opportunity exists.
"He knew he had to strike while the iron was hot and make the deal immediately."
strike up a conversation
To initiate a conversation.
"He was shy, but he managed to strike up a conversation with the woman."
From Middle English 'strikende', present participle of 'striken', from Old English 'strican' (to stroke, rub). The sense of 'impressive' developed later.
Historically, the word was used to refer to the act of hitting or touching. The figurative use to mean impressive began in the 17th century. Also used for legal proceedings.
Memory tip
Think of something that 'strikes' you – it's memorable!