refreshing
ruh-FREH-shihng
Refreshing (adj) means Pleasantly different from what is usual, in a way that feels renewing. Example: “It was refreshing to hear someone admit they were wrong for once.”
adj
1
Pleasantly different from what is usual, in a way that feels renewing.
"It was refreshing to hear someone admit they were wrong for once."
"The cool breeze off the lake felt refreshing after the hike."
"Her honest, simple answer was refreshing after hours of polite waffle."
How to use refreshing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that makes you feel restored, cooler, or pleasantly surprised because it breaks from the usual.
Common pairings
refreshing change
refreshing drink
refreshingly honest
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Word forms
- Plural
- refreshings
- Comparative
- more refreshing
- Superlative
- most refreshing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ to hear someone admit they were wrong for once.
Etymology
Formed, by surface analysis, from refresh and -ing.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “refreshing” mean?
The word “refreshing” means pleasantly different from what is usual, in a way that feels renewing. In plain terms, something that makes you feel restored, cooler, or pleasantly surprised because it breaks from the usual.
How do you pronounce “refreshing”?
“Refreshing” is pronounced ruh-FREH-shihng (/ɹəˈfɹɛʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “refreshing” in a sentence?
Here is “refreshing” used in a sentence: “It was refreshing to hear someone admit they were wrong for once.”
What part of speech is “refreshing”?
“Refreshing” is an adjective.
Is “refreshing” a common word?
“Refreshing” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between refreshing and interesting?
Refreshing specifically describes something pleasantly different from what is usual, in a way that feels renewing, often implying relief from something tiresome or predictable. Interesting simply means something holds attention, without necessarily offering that sense of relief or novelty that refreshing conveys.
What kinds of things are commonly described as refreshing?
Refreshing is often used for drinks, weather, and honesty or attitudes, as in 'a refreshing glass of water,' 'refreshing rain after a heatwave,' or 'her refreshing honesty.' In each case, it suggests something that provides welcome relief or a pleasant change from the norm.
Is refreshing used only for physical sensations?
No, refreshing is used just as often for abstract things like attitudes, opinions, or approaches, such as calling someone's directness refreshing. In these figurative uses it still carries the core sense of being a pleasant, renewing change from what is expected.
