WordGarden.iosudden
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌdən/
US
- /ˈsədən/
Meanings
Adjective
happening quickly and unexpectedly
Beyond the definition
A sudden change feels like a jolt, something that happens quickly and without warning. Think of a sudden thunderstorm rolling in on a sunny day, or a sudden realization hitting you out of nowhere. It is the opposite of something gradual or expected. A sudden movement might startle someone, while a sudden decision can feel rushed. Sometimes, "sudden" also suggests urgency, like a sudden need for help. The word often carries a sense of surprise and immediacy.
"Sudden" describes something that happens quickly, unexpectedly, and often without any prior indication. It's more than just fast; it emphasizes the lack of preparation or anticipation. Imagine a sudden stop on the highway – it's not simply a deceleration, but an abrupt halt that catches you off guard.
The word can apply to events ("a sudden downpour"), feelings ("a sudden wave of sadness"), or actions ("a sudden burst of laughter"). It often carries a sense of drama or impact. A sudden illness requires immediate attention, while a sudden opportunity might be too good to pass up.
"Sudden" isn't always negative. While it can describe unpleasant surprises (like a sudden loss), it can also highlight positive ones (a sudden windfall of money). The key is the element of unexpectedness and speed.
Think about how a detective might investigate a "sudden" disappearance – they're looking for clues that explain what happened so quickly and without warning. Or consider a writer building suspense by hinting at a sudden twist in the plot.
So, when something happens with little to no notice, leaving you caught off guard, it is likely "sudden." It is a word that speaks to the unpredictable nature of life and the moments that take us completely by surprise.
Examples
- 1
Household noise
A sudden noise from the kitchen woke everyone up.
- 2
Public transport
The bus came to a sudden stop, and people grabbed the seats.
- 3
Attitude change
After the meeting, there was a sudden change in his attitude.
- 4
Physical pain
She felt a sudden pain in her knee when she stood up.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal impulse
I had a sudden urge to check my phone.
- Patternsudden urge to + verb
a strong feeling to do it right away
- 6
Business results
The company reported a sudden drop in sales last month.
- 7
Team reaction
His decision to leave seemed sudden to the rest of the team.
- 8
Conversational phrase
All of a sudden, the lights went out.
- Usageall of a sudden
suddenly; very common in conversation
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- a sudden change
- a sudden stop
- all of a sudden
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- suddenadjective