German word

treffend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtrɛfn̩t/

Meaning

  • adjectiveapt

Example

Das ist eine treffende Bemerkung.

That is an apt remark.

Illustration for treffend (apt)

More examples

Der Redner fand treffende Worte zur Lage des Landes.

The speaker found apt words about the situation in the country.

Core concept

An arrow lands exactly on the small mark that matters, so the result fits the point with no wasted distance.

Common phrases

  • eine treffende Bemerkung

    an apt remark

  • treffende Worte

    apt words

Similar words

zutreffend: Accurate in relation to the facts or circumstances.
prägnant: Stating the main message briefly and clearly.
pointiert: Using sharp wording to make the intended point stand out.
passend: A good fit for the situation or intended purpose.

Definition in German

Eine Aussage oder Beschreibung, die punktgenau das Wesentliche trifft und deshalb als angemessen gilt.

Word origin

Treffend derives from the present participle of treffen, whose basic sense of hitting or meeting a target develops into describing words that reach their point exactly.

Usage tips

  • Treffend commonly describes a remark, description, comparison, or characterization, while English 'striking' also often refers to visual impact or unusual appearance.

Other meanings

  • accurateadjective
  • strikingadjective

Opposites

  • unpassendinappropriateadjective
  • unzutreffendinaccurateadjective

Related words

  • treffsicheraccurateadjective
  • Treffsicherheitaccuracynoun

Word lists with this word