sudden

The word “sudden” means happening quickly, with little or no warning. In plain terms, happening fast, without warning.

“Sudden” is pronounced SUHD-uhn (/ˈsʌd.ən/ in IPA).

Here is “sudden” used in a sentence: “Her sudden departure left everyone confused.”

Words with a similar meaning to “sudden” include precipitous, subitaneous, impetuous, impulsive, precipitant and precipitate.

The opposite of “sudden” — its antonyms — are gradual, unsudden and eventual.

“Sudden” is an adjective.

The word “sudden” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French sodain, from Vulgar Latin subitanus, from Latin subitus, "that which has come stealthily" — the past participle of subire, "to steal up on," from sub- ("under") plus ire ("to go").

“Sudden” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The opposite is gradual, describing something that happens slowly, in stages, with plenty of warning. Other antonyms include expected, anticipated, and slow. Where "sudden" stresses speed and surprise, these words emphasise a steady, foreseeable unfolding that gives people time to prepare.

"All of a sudden" is a common idiom meaning something happened quickly and unexpectedly, without warning. For example, "All of a sudden, the lights went out." It simply intensifies the sense of surprise built into the word "sudden," emphasising that the event caught everyone off guard.

A sudden downpour that starts without any cloud warning, a sudden change of plans, a sudden noise that makes you jump, or a sudden stop in traffic are all examples. Each shares the defining feature: it happens quickly, with little or no warning, catching people by surprise.