Amazement: meaning, definitions and examples

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amazement

[əˈmeɪzmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of surprise

A feeling of great surprise or wonder; astonishment.

Synonyms

astonishment, surprise, wonder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amazement	Use in situations where there is a strong sense of awe or fascination, often when experiencing something unexpected or extraordinary. She gazed in amazement at the beautiful sunset. His performance on stage left the audience in complete amazement.
astonishment	Best suited for situations where there is a significant degree of shock or disbelief, often used to describe reactions to something impressive or incredible. To her astonishment, she won the grand prize. He looked at the results with astonishment, unable to believe his eyes.
wonder	Used when referring to something that causes curiosity, admiration, or marvel, often with a touch of mystery or magic. The children looked at the magician's tricks with eyes full of wonder. She felt a sense of wonder as she walked through the ancient ruins.
surprise	Appropriate for general situations involving something unexpected, can be positive, neutral, or negative. The surprise birthday party made her day. He jumped back in surprise when the dog barked.

Examples of usage

The look of amazement on her face was priceless.
His performance left the audience in amazement.
We watched in amazement as the magician performed his tricks.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

impressive quality

The quality of being amazing; great impressiveness, power, or ability.

Synonyms

awe, impressiveness, magnificence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amazement	Amazement is often used to describe a feeling of great wonder or surprise. It is commonly used in everyday situations to express being overwhelmed by something unexpected. Sarah's amazement at the magician's tricks was evident on her face. He stared in amazement as the fireworks lit up the night sky.
impressiveness	Impressiveness refers to the quality of being impressive or awe-inspiring. It is commonly used to describe attributes or achievements that leave a strong impact. The impressiveness of his speech left the audience in silence. The new skyscraper's impressiveness can be seen from miles away.
awe	Awe is used to describe a feeling of respect mixed with fear or wonder. It is usually applied in situations involving something grand or sublime that inspires deep admiration. The sight of the Grand Canyon filled me with awe. She looked at the ancient statue in awe, unable to speak.
magnificence	Magnificence is often used to describe something that is extremely beautiful or grand, with a sense of splendor and luxury. It usually applies to physical objects, appearances, or experiences that are visually or emotionally stunning. The magnificence of the palace took her breath away. They stood in awe of the sunset's magnificence.

Examples of usage

The amazement of the natural world never ceases to inspire me.
The amazement of her talent was evident in every performance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'amægen', which means to amaze or surprise.
In Middle English, it transformed into 'amesen', which reflected both wonder and confusion.
Over time, it evolved into its modern form, encompassing a sense of strong admiration or astonishment.

Psychology

Experiencing amazement can trigger a release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' hormone, enhancing feelings of joy.
Amazement often occurs in response to unexpected events, which can shift our perception of reality.
Studies show that moments of amazement can increase creativity and promote openness to new experiences.

Nature

Nature inspires amazement—think of breathtaking landscapes or the intricate patterns of a snowflake.
The phenomena of bioluminescence in certain marine animals can create feelings of wonder and amazement in observers.
Animals performing extraordinary feats, like migration over vast distances, often leave viewers in awe.

Pop Culture

Movies often aim for moments of amazement to engage audiences, using plot twists and stunning visuals.
The internet is filled with viral videos designed to evoke amazement, such as incredible stunts or heartwarming surprises.
Famous magicians and illusionists built their careers around creating moments of amazement for their audiences.

Literature

Literature often reflects themes of amazement through discoveries that change characters' lives or perceptions.
Poets frequently use vivid imagery to elicit amazement, evoking strong emotional responses.
Children's books often revolve around themes of amazement, introducing fantastical elements that spark imagination.

Translations

Translations of the word "amazement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espanto

🇮🇳 आश्चर्य

🇩🇪 Erstaunen

🇮🇩 kekaguman

🇺🇦 здивування

🇵🇱 zdumienie

🇯🇵 驚き

🇫🇷 étonnement

🇪🇸 asombro

🇹🇷 hayret

🇰🇷 놀라움

🇸🇦 دهشة

🇨🇿 úžas

🇸🇰 úžas

🇨🇳 惊讶

🇸🇮 osuplost

🇮🇸 undrun

🇰🇿 таңданыс

🇬🇪 გასაკვირი

🇦🇿 heyrət

🇲🇽 asombro

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,915, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10912 calibrated
10913 greed
10914 inadequacy
10915 amazement
10916 rue
10917 stabilize
10918 precede
...