sudden
Translation
sudden, abrupt
Examples
There was a sudden change in the weather.
There was a sudden change in the weather.
All of a sudden, the lights went out.
All of a sudden, the lights went out.
Grammar Patterns
a sudden ((noun)) a (noun) that is sudden We heard a sudden crash.
all of a sudden suddenly All of a sudden, it began to rain.
Similar Words
Synonyms: abrupt, unexpected, unforeseen; Antonyms: gradual, expected
Etymology
From Old French 'sodain', from Latin 'subitaneus' meaning 'unexpected'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a loud sound happening 'all of a sudden'. The surprise and speed are key to its meaning.