stimulating
/ˈstɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ/ (ame, mw)
stimulating — adjective
- stimulatingpositive
- more stimulatingcomparative
- most stimulatingsuperlative
1. describes something such as a book, conversation, or class that makes you think
describes something such as a book, conversation, or class that makes you think in a new or deeper way, often by offering fresh ideas or questioning what you already believe
The professor's lecture on climate science was so stimulating that Amara spent the whole evening reading more about it.
be + so stimulating + that-clause
Diego finds crossword puzzles stimulating because they make him think about words from unusual angles.
find + noun + stimulating
A stimulating conversation with Wei helped Fatima see her career options in a completely new light.
The museum exhibition offered a stimulating look at how ancient tools changed the way early humans lived.
It can be very stimulating to discuss a novel with people who read it very differently from you.
- thought-provoking
emphasises that something makes you think hard or question your assumptions
- inspiring
stronger emotional effect; makes you want to create or act, not just think
- challenging
suggests difficulty that pushes you to improve your understanding
文法句型
stimulating + noun
be + stimulating
stimulating to + infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns related to thought and discussion: conversation, debate, lecture, discussion, book, article, idea.
常見錯誤
2. describes a person whose manner, conversation, or presence makes you feel more e
describes a person whose manner, conversation, or presence makes you feel more excited, creative, and full of new ideas — for example, a teacher who pushes students to think for themselves or a friend whose energy lifts your mood
Yuki is one of the most stimulating people I know — her chats always leave me full of new ideas.
most stimulating [person] — superlative for people
The new manager proved a stimulating presence; her sharp questions pushed the whole team to improve.
stimulating presence — noun collocation for people
Omar found his art teacher very stimulating because she urged him to try styles he had never considered before.
Grandmother was a stimulating storyteller who could make even a trip to the local market sound like a grand adventure.
- inspiring
places more weight on emotional uplift; a stimulating teacher challenges your mind, an inspiring teacher moves your heart
- motivating
focuses on pushing you to take action rather than just think or feel
- charismatic
emphasises personal charm and natural ability to attract and influence people
- uninspiring
fails to create any excitement or motivation
文法句型
stimulating + person-noun
be + stimulating
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively about people, never about objects or activities. Subject is a person whose interaction with others creates enthusiasm.
常見錯誤
3. describes an activity, substance, or physical sensation that makes your body or
describes an activity, substance, or physical sensation that makes your body or senses become more awake and active — for example, exercise that gets your blood moving, a massage that wakes up your muscles, or cold air that sharpens your alertness
After sitting at her computer all morning, Nalini found a brisk ten-minute walk very stimulating.
find + activity + stimulating (physical renewal)
The cold water of the mountain stream was stimulating against Kenji's skin as he waded across it.
Grace finds yoga more stimulating than jogging because it makes her focus on every part of her body at once.
The caffeine in green tea has a mild but noticeable stimulating effect on the nervous system.
Loud dance music can be very stimulating when you need an energy boost late at night.
- invigorating
implies a feeling of renewed strength and freshness, especially after tiredness
- refreshing
focuses on restoring energy and alertness after being tired or hot
- energising
the closest synonym, but slightly more informal and general
文法句型
stimulating + noun
be + stimulating
have a stimulating effect on
用法筆記
Object or subject is typically a physical activity, substance, or sensory input (exercise, massage, caffeine, cold, music). Distinguish from sense 1 (mental) and sense 2 (interpersonal) — if it wakes up your body or senses rather than your mind, use this sense.