What does startlingly mean?
Startlingly is an English adverb that describes something done or experienced in a particularly surprising, shocking, or attention-grabbing way. It is commonly used before adjectives such as beautiful, clear, or similar, and it can also characterize an action or result: a witness account may be startlingly precise, or a performance may be startlingly original. The word generally carries a stronger, more immediate implication of surprise than surprisingly, although the difference is context-dependent. Startlingly is useful when the writer wants to direct attention to an unexpected quality rather than merely report an unusual fact. It is common in journalism, criticism, narration, and formal discussion, but it also sounds natural in everyday speech. Its effect comes from the underlying adjective startling, which suggests surprise strong enough to make someone react sharply. No special regional use distinguishes British and American English; pronunciation varies slightly. Because the word emphasizes both surprise and intensity, it gives vivid commentary a memorable edge without requiring the event itself to be described in detail.
adverbIn a way that causes surprise, shock, or alarm; to a particularly striking or unexpected degree.
- To a surprising, shocking, or attention-grabbing degree.
"The two documents were startlingly similar despite being created years apart."
"The evidence was startlingly similar to records from the previous century."
"After the announcement, the room was startlingly silent."
Startlingly gives an ordinary observation the force of a revelation: sometimes the clearest sight is the one that catches you completely off guard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does startlingly come from?
Startlingly is an English formation made by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective startling. The adjective startling is based on startle, whose older English uses also included senses connected with sudden movement or alarm. The related English verb start descends from Old English stært and has cognates in other Germanic languages, including Old Norse start.
How startlingly is actually used
Startlingly is neutral to emphatic and often conveys a stronger sense of surprise or alarm than surprisingly. It is common in journalism, criticism, narration, and formal discussion, while remaining natural in everyday speech.
Easily confused with startlingly
Startlingly is the adverb meaning “in a startling manner,” while startling is the adjective describing something that causes surprise or alarm.