wow
/wau/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Interjection:
- An exclamation used to express strong feelings of admiration, amazement, pleasure, or surprise.
Verb (transitive):
- To impress someone greatly; to fill with wonder or admiration.
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
- a joke that seems extremely funny
Verb
- impress greatly
- The speaker wowed the audience