Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a way that causes sudden surprise, alarm, or wonder: "startlingly" describes an action or quality that is remarkably surprising or shocking, often because it is unexpected or extreme.

Usage

• "Startlingly" is used to modify an adjective, verb, or another adverb to emphasize the surprising or shocking nature of something.
• It often precedes an adjective (e.g., ) or follows a verb (e.g., ).

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:
  • The test results were startlingly clear. (The clarity of the results was very surprising.)
  • She has a startlingly modern voice for a classical singer. (Her voice is surprisingly modern, which is unexpected in that context.)
• Modifying a verb:
  • The figure startlingly appeared from the shadows. (The appearance was sudden and alarming.)
  • Prices have dropped startlingly fast. (The speed of the price drop is remarkably surprising.)

Advanced Usage

• "startlingly enough": Used to introduce a statement that is surprisingly true.
  • Startlingly enough, the simplest solution was the correct one. (It is surprising, but true, that the simplest solution was correct.)

Variants and Related Words

• Startle (verb): To cause a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm.
  • The loud noise startled the cat.
• Startled (adjective): Showing or feeling sudden shock or alarm.
  • She had a startled expression on her face.
• Startling (adjective): Very surprising, astonishing, or alarming.
  • The news was startling.

Synonyms

• Astonishingly: In a very surprising or amazing way.
• Surprisingly: In a way that causes surprise because it is unexpected.
• Strikingly: In a way that is very noticeable or impressive, often surprisingly so.
• Shockingly: In a way that causes a sudden upsetting or surprising impression.

Antonyms

• Expectedly: In a way that is regarded as likely to happen.
• Predictably: In a way that can be predicted or foreseen.
• Unremarkably: In a way that is not particularly interesting or surprising.

Adverb

1. in a startling manner
   • a startlingly modern voice