Startlingness

Startlingness is the quality of causing sudden surprise, alarm, or wonder; the capacity to jolt one from a state of complacency or expectation. It's the degree to which something is unexpected, shocking, or breathtaking, leaving a lasting impression due to its unexpected nature. It encapsulates the impact of an event, observation, or piece of information that disrupts the ordinary and demands immediate attention or reaction, often leading to a moment of pause or heightened awareness. It emphasizes the intensity of the surprise and its potential to unsettle or deeply impress. The level of startlingness can vary, ranging from mildly surprising to profoundly shocking.

Startlingness meaning with examples

• The startlingness of the news, that the project was cancelled, caused a wave of disbelief through the team, as they had been working tirelessly for months. Their hopes and dreams were shattered by the announcement, the abruptness leaving everyone to question everything. The unexpected news brought a sense of dread, a pit of dread in everyone’s stomach. The shocking turn of events made a bad day worse.
• The painter reveled in the startlingness of his bold color choices and unconventional techniques. The art world embraced his innovative style. Viewers often gasped at the unusual pairings of hues and forms. This approach disrupted artistic norms and redefined contemporary expression. His paintings were meant to shock.
• The startlingness of the sudden storm that swept through the calm beach day. The winds howled, and the sky turned black within minutes. Sunbathers scrambled for cover as the ocean became a chaotic churning mass. The immediate and abrupt change in conditions left an impression of raw power, the unexpected downpour washing the calm away.
• The film's use of jump scares and unexpected plot twists relied heavily on startlingness. It was designed to create shock and excitement, forcing the viewer to the edge of their seat. Many were quick to point out this had the effect of a 'cheap scare'. This method's purpose was to heighten tension through shock and unexpected turns, the story creating a lot of fear.
• The scientist was captivated by the startlingness of her experimental results. The findings defied current scientific understanding, opening up the potential for a new approach. The radical findings prompted a lot of re-evaluation of the established principles, sparking intellectual intrigue. This new discovery created an exciting turn in the project.