sudden Meaning & Definition
What Does Sudden Mean?
Sudden is an adjective that means Occurring quickly with little or no warning or expectation; instantly. It is also used to mean Hastily prepared or employed; quick; rapid. As an adverb, it means Suddenly. As a noun, it means An unexpected occurrence; a surprise.
Sudden in Brief
| Part of speech | adjective, adverb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsʌd.ən/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | sharp, explosive and abrupt |
| Antonyms | gradual and unsudden |
| Plural | suddens |
| Comparative / superlative | suddener, suddenest |
Sudden Definition (Adjective)
- Occurring quickly with little or no warning or expectation; instantly.
The sudden drop in temperature left everyone cold and confused.
- Hastily prepared or employed; quick; rapid.
- Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate.
Sudden as an Adverb
- Suddenly.
Sudden as a Noun
- An unexpected occurrence; a surprise.
Adjective
- Happening quickly and with little or no warning.
The sudden drop in temperature left everyone cold and confused.
Synonyms of Sudden
Sudden synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Sudden
Sudden in a Sentence
The sudden drop in temperature left everyone cold and confused.
Word Forms & Grammar
sudden (comparative suddener, superlative suddenest)
sudden (comparative more sudden, superlative most sudden)
sudden (plural suddens)
Words That Rhyme With Sudden
Origin of Sudden
From Middle English sodeyn, sodain, from Anglo-Norman sodein, from Old French sodain, subdain (“immediate, sudden”), from Vulgar Latin *subitānus (“sudden”), from Latin subitāneus (“sudden”), from subitus (“sudden", literally, "that which has come stealthily”), originally the past participle of subīre (“to come or go stealthily”), from sub (“under”) + īre (“go”). Doublet of subitaneous. Displaced native Old English fǣrlīċ.
Pronouncing Sudden
The standard pronunciation of sudden is /ˈsʌd.ən/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (sʌd).
Sudden: Your Questions Answered
Is sudden an adjective or an adverb?
Sudden is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb and a noun.
What is another word for sudden?
Close synonyms of sudden are sharp, explosive and abrupt. See the full list of sudden synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of sudden?
The plural of sudden is suddens.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of sudden?
The comparative form is suddener and the superlative form is suddenest.