French Conversation · Level 65
60 words
French word
étourdissant
Pronunciation
IPA/etuʁdisɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectiveblinding
Example
La lumière était étourdissante.
The light was blinding.
More examples
Le spectacle était étourdissant.
The spectacle was dazzling.
Core concept
A scale or brilliance so intense that clear perception gives way to awe.
Common phrases
un spectacle étourdissant
a dazzling spectacle
un succès étourdissant
a staggering success
un bruit étourdissant
a deafening noise
Similar words
éblouissant: Extremely bright, making it hard for the eyes to see clearly.
spectaculaire: Showy and visually striking, drawing people's attention.
frappant: Striking enough to stand out and make a lasting impression.
impressionnant: Making a deep impression through its power or emotional effect.
Definition in French
Décrit ce qui, par son éclat ou son ampleur, suscite l'étonnement et l'éblouissement.
Word origin
Étourdissant is formed from étourdir, which comes from Old French estourdir, meaning to stun or daze.
Usage tips
- In modern French, étourdissant describes achievements and results as well as sensory intensity, so it is not limited to light or sound.