refreshing

[ri-fresh-ing]

adjective

1. having the power to restore freshness, vitality, energy, etc..

   a refreshing nap.

2. pleasingly fresh or different.

   a refreshing lack of pretense.

Other Word Forms

• refreshingly adverb
• refreshingness noun
• unrefreshing adjective
• unrefreshingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of refreshing¹

First recorded in 1570–80; refresh + -ing ²

Example Sentences

To his admirers, this was just “Honest Jim,” as some referred to him, being himself, a refreshing antidote to the increasingly politically correct world of science and society.

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In this time of overheated rhetoric — of which I’m often guilty — it’s refreshing to hear Sherrill repeat the hope of finding common ground with the Republicans to pass meaningful legislation.

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And it was just really so refreshing and so good for us to have him there.

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We started with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in chili and sesame oil, then moved on to Kurobuta pork soup dumplings, shrimp and Kurobuta pork spicy wontons and more — each bite expertly balanced and juicy.

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For a laid-back spot where you and your friends can sit at picnic tables and enjoy juicy pastrami sandwiches, loaded French fries and refreshing cocktails, check out Johnny’s in West Adams.

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Related Words

• bracing 
• exhilarating 
• fresh 
• invigorating 
• stimulating