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

But there’s a frankness to “Running With the Wolves” that’s refreshing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Speaking to students years after they take his classes and grasp the effect on their lives has been refreshing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even against a limping opponent, it was refreshing for Chiefs fans to see the team’s offense clear the 30-point barrier for the first time all season.

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The firm in 2023 said it was also enhancing portions of its audit methodology and tools and refreshing its approach to improve training.

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Sir Stephen's total dismissal of the "gut instinct" tactic was particularly refreshing.

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Related Words

• bracing 
• exhilarating 
• fresh 
• invigorating 
• stimulating