Wow
n.joyful, energeticplayful
What it means
A person, thing, or result that is strikingly impressive.
Reach for it when giving informal enthusiastic praise to something with immediate impact
The restored reading room is a real wow.
Choose between these
6- playful
when striking visual impact deserves slang praise
not when Knockout can objectify a person and is too informal for professional evaluation.
- playful
when one feature commands the room's attention
not when Showstopper emphasizes spectacle and may overlook usability or substance.
- everyday
when broad popularity or audience approval is the result
not when A hit can be commercially successful without being impressive in quality.
- warm
when something clearly distinguishes itself from peers
not when A standout may be unusual rather than actually successful.
- formal
when achievement over difficulty is the source of admiration
not when Triumph is grander and does not fit every visually impressive object.
- literary
sensation
when strong public excitement is documented
not when A sensation measures attention and can be brief or negative.
Said against
3- dud
- letdown
- flop
It naturally appears in
3- real wow
The hidden roof garden was a real wow for first-time visitors.
- visual wow
The exhibit's visual wow came from scale rather than expensive materials.
- deliver a wow
The final chorus can deliver a wow without overwhelming the soloist.
Usage notes
Wow as a noun is highly informal and evaluates impact, not lasting quality.