Dazzling
/ˈdæzlɪŋ/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Dazzling describes something that is extremely bright or shining so much that it can make your eyes hurt or look away. It also means something very impressive, attractive, or excellent that catches your attention strongly.
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⚡ See It in Action
Very bright or shining light that can make you look away
- •The dazzling sunlight made it hard to drive without sunglasses.
- •The diamond’s dazzling sparkle caught everyone’s eyes.
- •Her dress was dazzling under the stage lights.
Extremely impressive or beautiful
- •She gave a dazzling performance that everyone remembered.
- •The city’s dazzling skyline at night is famous worldwide.
- •The artist’s work is dazzling in its detail and color.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "dazzling" like "bright" (A1 word), but MUCH stronger—so bright it almost hurts your eyes or stops you from looking directly
- ✓Picture the sun on a clear day when it shines very strongly and you have to squint your eyes
- ✓It's the feeling when you see a beautiful, shiny diamond or a very colorful fireworks display that makes you say "Wow!"
- ✓Sounds like "DAZ-zling" → imagine a dazzle (bright light) that makes you blink quickly
- ✓Remember a magic show where the magician’s tricks are so amazing and shiny that everyone is amazed and can’t look away
- ✓NOT like "glow" (soft light), dazzling is sharp and strong light that can blind you temporarily
- ✓NOT like "shiny" (just smooth and reflecting), dazzling is extreme brightness or beauty that grabs attention immediately
- ✓NOT like "pretty" (simple beauty), dazzling is more powerful and exciting beauty or brightness
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Brilliant: very bright or excellent (Use when emphasizing intelligence or quality, not just light)
- •Sparkling: shining with small flashes of light (Use for small, quick lights like stars or diamonds)
- •Radiant: shining brightly with warmth or happiness (Use when light or beauty feels warm and glowing)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "dazzle" + suffix "-ing" (shows it is describing something)
- •Etymology: "Dazzle" comes from Middle English, meaning to blind or confuse by bright light
- •Historical development: Originally meant to blind someone with strong light; later also used for impressive beauty or skill
- •Modern usage: Used to describe very bright light or something extremely impressive or beautiful
- •Interesting fact: "Dazzle" can also mean to confuse someone by shining light strongly, like a sudden flash
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can something be too dazzling to enjoy? How would you describe that feeling?
•How do you think the word dazzling can be used to describe both light and people’s skills or beauty?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The dazzling sunlight was so ___ that I had to wear sunglasses to protect my eyes.
2.Her dress was dazzling ___ the bright stage lights made it shine even more.
3.Unlike a soft glow, dazzling light makes you ___ or look away quickly.
4.A dazzling performance usually ___ the audience with its excellence and energy.
5.The diamond was dazzling because it ___ many small bright flashes of light.
6.When something is dazzling, it often ___ strong feelings of surprise or admiration.
7.The city’s dazzling skyline at night ___ many tourists to take photos.