the word 'striking' originates from the verb 'strike', which has a complex history tracing back to the old english 'strīcan', meaning to stroke, rub, or go. this verb is related to old high german 'strīhhan' and further back to a proto-germanic root meaning to stroke or rub lightly. the core semantic evolution moved from the physical act of hitting or making contact to the metaphorical sense of making a strong impression on the mind, as if hitting it. the addition of the '-ing' suffix, originally a present participle form, transforms the verb into an adjective that describes something which 'strikes' or impresses the senses or mind, leading to its modern meanings of being conspicuously attractive or noticeably evident.

Structure: strike (to hit, to impress) + ing (adjective-forming suffix) strike (from old english 'strīcan', meaning to go, move, rub, stroke); ing (from old english '-ende', present participle suffix, used to form adjectives from verbs).