STAHRT-ling
/ˈstɑɹtlɪŋ/
startling is pronounced STAHRT-ling (/ˈstɑɹtlɪŋ/). Startling is an adjective describing something that causes surprise or shock, often in a sudden or unexpected way. It can also function as a verb (present participle of startle), though in common use it more often appears as an attributive or predicative descriptor. The term emphasizes a strong, attention-grabbing reaction rather than mild surprise.
Startling is an adjective describing something that causes surprise or shock, often in a sudden or unexpected way. It can also function as a verb (present participle of startle), though in common use it more often appears as an attributive or predicative descriptor. The term emphasizes a strong, attention-grabbing reaction rather than mild surprise.
Tip: Use minimal pairs like “startling” vs “starling” (bird) to feel the difference in the /tl/ sequence and stress. Practice saying it in a sentence with a strong verb like “The loud crash was startling,” focusing on precise timing between /t/ and /l/ and a crisp final /ŋ/.
"The loud crash was startling enough to make everyone jump."
"Her sudden disappearance was a startling turn of events in the investigation."
"The price drop was startling to the investors, prompting immediate action."
Startling is pronounced with two syllables: /ˈstɑːr.tlɪŋ/ in US and UK; Australian tends to /ˈstɔːt.lɪŋ/ or /ˈstɔː.tlɪŋ/. Emphasize the first syllable, then a quick, light -ling ending. The middle /t/ is released before /l/, so avoid a crushed or swallowed consonant. Visualize your lips as rounded slightly for the /ɑː/ (or /ɔː/ in AU) then snap quickly into /tlɪŋ/. IPA reference: US /ˈstɑɹˌtɫɪŋ/ roughly, UK /ˈstɑːt.lɪŋ/, AU /ˈstɔːt.lɪŋ/.
Common mistakes: (1) Slurring the /t/ into /l/, producing /ˈstɑːrlɪŋ/ instead of /ˈstɑːr.tlɪŋ/. (2) Reducing the second syllable too much, losing the /tl/ cluster. (3) Misplacing the primary stress, sometimes sounding like /ˈstɑːt.lɪŋ/ with reduced emphasis on the first syllable. Corrections: keep a clear /t/ release before the /l/, maintain primary stress on the first syllable with a crisp vowel, and practice the /tl/ sequence by slightly separating /t/ and /l/ with a quick articulation cue: “t, then l.”
Across accents, the vowel in the first syllable shifts: US often uses /ˈstɑɹ/ with rhotic /ɹ/ coloring, leading to /ˈstɑɹ.tlɪŋ/; UK typically /ˈstɑːt.lɪŋ/ with non-rhotic /ɑː/ and a crisper /t/; Australian tends to broader /ɔː/ in the first vowel and a slightly weaker /t/ release in some regions, yielding /ˈstɔːt.lɪŋ/. The /tl/ cluster remains but may be more tightly connected in some UK pronunciations. Accent variation also affects vowel length and quality, especially in stressed first syllables; practice with native clips to feel the timing differences.
The difficulty lies in the /t/ and /l/ sequence after a stressed syllable and before a voiceless nasal-like ending; the /tl/ cluster requires precise timing, with the /t/ released and the tongue moving toward the alveolar ridge for /l/ while the following /ɪ/ in -ling is brief. Additionally, the first syllable’s strong vowel can be challenging if you’re not used to holding /ɑː/ or /ɔː/ long enough before the /t/. Focused practice on the /t-l/ transition and keeping the final -ling crisp helps a lot.
No. Startling has no silent letters in standard English; all letters contribute to its sound: s-t-a-r-t-l-i-n-g. The /t/ is pronounced as a distinct voiceless stop before the /l/ cluster, and the final -ing is pronounced with a short /ɪ/ before the velar nasal /ŋ/. In fast speech, some speakers may reduce the /r/ or merge sounds slightly, but there is no silent letter in careful enunciation.
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Common to all: keep the /t/ aspirated before /l/; use IPA: /ˈstɑːr.tlɪŋ/ (US), /ˈstɑːt.lɪŋ/ (UK), /ˈstɔːt.lɪŋ/ (AU). Practice slow to fast, then adjust mouth shapes per accent.
Startling derives from the verb startle, which dates to Middle English; the exact origin is uncertain but is often linked to Dutch or Germanic roots meaning to twitch or start suddenly. The suffix -ing marks its present participle/adjective use. The core notion is a sudden, involuntary movement or surprise. Over centuries, startling evolved from a physical reaction descriptor to a broader evaluative adjective describing events, statements, or appearances that provoke a strong, immediate sense of astonishment. First attestations in English appear in the 16th-17th centuries, with usage concentrating on abruptness and impact. The word’s semantic field expands from literal startled movement to the figurative shock of unexpected developments, conversations, or visuals."
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "startling" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "startling" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "startling"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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