staggering

Everyday

1. Very surprising and shocking, because it is so large or amazing. tree →
2. (verb) Walking unsteadily, almost falling. tree →

In the lessons

In news, science and maths talk, «a staggering number» means a hugely large number, like the staggering distance to the stars. In stories it can mean walking unsteadily. Phrases: «a staggering amount», «staggering success».

Examples

• The cost of the new stadium is staggering. tree →
• A staggering million people watched the parade. tree →
• The view from the mountain top was staggering. tree →
• He came staggering out of the smoke. tree →
• The Sun is a staggering 150 million kilometres from Earth. tree →
• Her success was staggering for someone so young. tree →
• He wetted his lips to be ready, but Hook came staggering out, without his lantern. tree →

Note

Adjective use is very common; the meaning is «amazing because so big». Similar: astonishing, astounding. In maths writing it gives feeling, not a number.

In Jewish tradition

In the prophets "the cup of staggering" is a picture of God's anger which nations must drink until they reel.

Interpretation. Tradition reads it as the cup of punishment, first for Israel, then for the nations, and Isaiah promises that Israel will finish drinking it and be comforted.

Examples

• Thou hast made Thy people to see hard things; Thou hast made us to drink the wine of staggering. (Writings PSA.60.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering unto all the peoples round about, and upon Judah also shall it fall to be in the siege against Jerusalem. (Prophets ZEC.12.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, that hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; thou hast drunken the beaker, even the cup of staggering, and drained it. (Prophets ISA.51.17, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective use is very common; the meaning is «amazing because so big». Similar: astonishing, astounding. In maths writing it gives feeling, not a number.