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Amaze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amaze

[əˈmeɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to surprise greatly

To amaze means to surprise greatly or astonish someone. It is often used to describe something that is extremely impressive or unbelievable.

Synonyms

astonish, astound, surprise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amaze

Used when something is wonderful or impressive and causes you to feel a strong sense of wonder.

  • The magician's tricks never fail to amaze the audience.
  • Her ability to speak six languages amazes me.
astonish

Used when something is very surprising and hard to believe; often used in formal or written contexts.

  • The scientist's latest discovery will astonish the world.
  • He was astonished to find out he'd won the lottery.
surprise

Used in everyday situations when something unexpected occurs, can be positive or negative.

  • He surprised her with a bouquet of flowers.
  • The sudden rain surprised us during our picnic.
astound

Used when something shocks or surprises someone deeply, often more intense and emotional than 'amaze' or 'astonish'.

  • Her generosity astounded everyone at the charity event.
  • I was astounded by the number of people at the concert.

Examples of usage

  • She was amazed by the magician's trick.
  • The beautiful view from the top of the mountain amazed us.
  • The speed at which he completed the project amazed everyone.
Context #2 | Noun

an overwhelming feeling of surprise or wonder

As a noun, amaze refers to the overwhelming feeling of surprise or wonder that someone experiences. It can also be used to describe something that causes this feeling.

Synonyms

astonishment, surprise, wonder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amaze

Use when something is so extraordinary that it leaves people in awe.

  • The magician's tricks never fail to amaze the audience.
  • Her performance in the competition amazed everyone present.
wonder

Used to describe a feeling of admiration and curiosity, often related to something beautiful, unfamiliar or mysterious.

  • She felt a sense of wonder as she gazed at the night sky.
  • The natural wonders of the world never cease to amaze me.
astonishment

Best for expressing a feeling of great surprise, often in a formal or literary setting.

  • The news of his resignation was received with astonishment.
  • She looked at him in astonishment, unable to believe what she'd just heard.
surprise

Suitable for general use when someone encounters something they didn't expect.

  • To her surprise, the package arrived a day early.
  • The teacher's announcement took the whole class by surprise.

Examples of usage

  • His performance left the audience in a state of amazement.
  • The grandeur of the palace filled her with amaze.
  • The complexity of the technology was a source of amaze for many.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling amazement often triggers the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which makes us feel good.
  • Strong feelings of wonder or amazement can enhance memory retention, helping experiences stick in our minds longer.
  • Experiencing amazement expands our perspectives, encouraging curiosity and exploration.

Pop Culture

  • Many magic shows aim to amaze the audience with tricks that defy reality and surprise our expectations.
  • The phrase 'Amaze yourself' has been popularized in motivational speeches, encouraging personal growth through challenges.
  • Famous films often end with astonishing plot twists designed to leave audiences in awe.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses amazement to convey themes of discovery and enlightenment, prompting characters to grow.
  • In poetry, the feeling of amazement can be conveyed through vivid imagery and surprising juxtapositions.
  • Characters in fairy tales often experience amazement at magical events, reinforcing moral lessons about belief and wonder.

Art

  • Many artists aspire to amaze viewers with their creativity, using technique and innovation to evoke strong emotions.
  • The use of color and light in paintings can create an astonishing effect, drawing the viewer's eye and inspiring awe.
  • Sculpture often aims to surprise through unexpected forms and textures, challenging perceptions of space and material.

Origin of 'amaze'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'amasian,' which meant to confuse or bewilder someone.
  • Originally, the term was used to describe being overwhelmed, often in a negative sense, but evolved into a positive surprise.
  • The prefix 'a-' in older terms often implied being in a state, leading to the meaning of causing wonder.

The word 'amaze' originated from the Old English word 'amasian', which meant to stupefy or confuse. Over time, its meaning evolved to convey the sense of great surprise or wonder. The word has been used in English since the 13th century and has remained a popular term to express astonishment or admiration.

See also: amazed, amazement, amazing, amazingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,191, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.