refreshing

American  

[ri-fresh-ing] / rɪˈfrɛʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

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

   a refreshing nap.

2. pleasingly fresh or different.

   a refreshing lack of pretense.

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refreshing British  

/ rɪˈfrɛʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. able to or tending to refresh; invigorating

2. pleasantly different or novel

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of refreshing

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

Example Sentences

While Sokolov and Litvak’s script is thematically straightforward, it incorporates a few nods to racial and class solidarity throughout that are refreshing to see addressed, even if some of those nuances go unexamined.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Scientists still do not fully understand what happens in the brain to create this sense of deep, refreshing rest.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Mangan points out that the team and audience need to "build up a rhythm and rapport with the show", adding "it felt refreshing to see an ambition / piece of madness... even being attempted".

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

But it’s refreshing to see a film operate outside of the gray area, where so many movies of its ilk have gotten lost in recent years.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Mother’s usual summer remedy of sprinkling the sheets with refreshing cologne lasted only a minute.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• bracing
• exhilarating
• fresh
• invigorating
• stimulating