refreshing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refreshing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is invigorating, new, or provides a sense of relief or renewal. Example: "After a long week of work, spending time in nature was truly refreshing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it's refreshing to read, it's hopefully refreshing to watch".

The Guardian - Film

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

"To say this sharply and with such clarity and, I would say, courage, is refreshing given the chorus of hypocrisy and ignorance," Netanyahu said.

The Guardian

"It was refreshing [to work with other coaches] but I think it is really important you have one guy you go back to because he knows your game, knows you as a person," said Cook. "I think that is important, especially when you get scrutinised as much as you do as an international.

The Guardian - Sport

Some admire Gove's free-spirited willingness to try out ideas, and then ditch them; his willingness to confess plainly to the Commons that he had gone "a bridge too far" was certainly refreshing.

The Guardian

@lec101 tries to look for ethereal, magical moments that feel like refreshing escapes from city life, and says she is "forever mesmerized by the wild fog that is unique to San Francisco".

The Guardian

I expected chaos with so many participants but it was refreshing to hear other voices – many of which advocated progressive opinions rarely reflected in mainstream politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are just refreshing it, doing new things with it and unfortunately not everyone likes change".

The Guardian

We're not sure anyone other than cash-strapped students would actually want to stay there but it's refreshing to see a hotel taking a stance against the greenwashing guff that many hotels are churning out.

The Guardian - Travel

Even to an English observer, the success of Lehmann's more approachable, less-intense methods has been highly refreshing.

The Guardian - Sport

First, it is utterly delicious, as anyone who has thrown caution and official advice about only drinking sealed bottles of water to the wind will testify – creamy and sweet-sour, sometimes salty, sometimes subtly spiced and never less than utterly refreshing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refreshing" to describe experiences, ideas, or perspectives that offer a pleasant change or a renewed sense of energy. For example, "The speaker's honesty was a refreshing contrast to the usual political spin."

Common error

Avoid using "refreshing" in overly predictable or clichéd situations, such as describing a cold drink on a hot day. Opt for more descriptive language to create a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "refreshing" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is pleasantly new, different, and invigorating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of renewal or revitalization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "refreshing" is a versatile term used to describe something pleasantly new, different, and invigorating. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English. Its primary function is to express appreciation for a positive change or renewed energy, fitting seamlessly into neutral to informal registers. Common usage appears in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Travel. When writing, use "refreshing" to describe experiences or ideas that offer a welcome change, while avoiding clichés. For alternative words, consider "invigorating", "revitalizing", or "rejuvenating".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invigorating

Emphasizes the energizing and revitalizing quality.

revitalizing

Focuses on restoring energy and vitality.

rejuvenating

Highlights the restorative and renewing aspect.

exhilarating

Stresses the exciting and thrilling nature.

stimulating

Focuses on awakening interest or activity.

restorative

Emphasizes the ability to bring back to a healthy condition.

uplifting

Highlights the positive and morale-boosting effect.

welcome

Indicates something that is pleasantly received after a period of something less pleasant.

novel

Focuses on the new and unusual aspect.

pleasant

Emphasizes the agreeable and enjoyable quality.

FAQs

How can I use "refreshing" in a sentence?

You can use "refreshing" to describe something that provides a pleasant change or revitalization. For example, "The simplicity of the design was "refreshing" after seeing so many complex interfaces."

What can I say instead of "refreshing"?

You can use alternatives like "invigorating", "revitalizing", or "rejuvenating" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a refreshing breeze" or "a refreshed breeze"?

"A refreshing breeze" is correct. "Refreshing" describes the quality of the breeze, while "refreshed" would imply the breeze itself was somehow renewed, which doesn't make logical sense in this context.

What's the difference between "refreshing" and "soothing"?

"Refreshing" implies a sense of invigoration and renewal, whereas "soothing" suggests a calming and comforting effect. A cool glass of lemonade on a hot day might be "refreshing", while a warm bath might be "soothing".