Definition

1. Interjection:

   • An exclamation used to express strong feelings of admiration, amazement, pleasure, or surprise.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To impress someone greatly; to fill with wonder or admiration.

3. Noun (informal):

   • A thing or event that causes a feeling of great admiration or surprise; a striking success.

Usage and Examples

• As an Interjection:

  • Wow! That sunset is absolutely beautiful!
  • "Wow, you finished the entire project already?" she said in amazement.

• As a Verb:

  • The new product design really wowed the investors at the meeting.
  • Her performance wowed the critics and earned her a standing ovation.

• As a Noun:

  • The final act of the play was a real wow.
  • The new video game is a wow with its stunning graphics.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Interjection: Often used alone as a spontaneous reaction. It can be elongated for emphasis (e.g., "Woooow!").
• Verb: Frequently used in passive constructions (e.g., ).
  • We were completely wowed by their hospitality.
• Noun: Typically used in singular form, often preceded by "a" (e.g., ). It describes the quality of being impressive.

Variants and Related Words

• Wow factor (noun phrase): The quality of being very impressive or exciting.
  • The car's design has a real wow factor.
• Wowser (noun, informal, chiefly Australian/NZ): A person who is puritanically restrictive, especially regarding alcohol. (Note: This is a different, unrelated meaning).

Synonyms

• Interjection: Gee, gosh, whoa, amazing.
• Verb: Amaze, astonish, astound, dazzle, impress.
• Noun: Sensation, smash (hit), success, marvel.

Antonyms

• Verb: Bore, disappoint, underwhelm.
• Noun: Failure, flop, disappointment.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To say/utter "wow": To express amazement verbally.
  • He opened the gift and could only say, "Wow."
• A wow moment: A specific instance that causes great surprise or admiration.
  • Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was a real wow moment for me.

Noun

1. a joke that seems extremely funny

Verb

1. impress greatly
   • The speaker wowed the audience