Astonish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฒ
astonish
[ษหstษหnษชส ]
Definitions
surprise
To astonish means to surprise someone very much.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| astonish |
Use when something unexpected happens and leaves you speechless.
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| amaze |
Use when something impresses or surprises you in a positive way.
|
| astound |
Use when something is extremely surprising or impressive.
|
| shock |
Use when something unexpected happens that causes strong emotional disturbance or surprise, often with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The magician's tricks never failed to astonish the audience.
- I was astonished by how quickly he completed the task.
amazement
A feeling of great surprise or wonder.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| astonish |
Repeat, see first context. |
| amazement |
Generally describes a feeling of great surprise and admiration. It's often used in a positive context when something impressive or awe-inspiring occurs.
|
| wonder |
Often relates to something that inspires a sense of awe, curiosity, or deep admiration. It can also be used to express curiosity or questioning.
|
| surprise |
Used for situations where something happens that was not anticipated. It can be positive, neutral, or negative depending on the context.
|
Examples of usage
- Her performance left me in astonishment.
- He stared at her in astonishment as she revealed her secret.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Surprise is a key emotion in psychology and can lead to increased excitement and engagement.
- Being amazed activates the brain's pleasure centers, releasing dopamine, which can make an event feel more special.
- Astonishment often involves a mismatch between expectations and reality, which is why it can be so impactful.
Literature
- Many authors use astonishment as a literary device to keep readers engaged and invested in the story.
- Astonishing plot twists are a common technique in mystery and thriller genres, enhancing emotional responses.
- Shakespeare often used surprising elements in his plays, leading audiences to feel a range of emotions, including astonishment.
Pop Culture
- Magicians and illusionists thrive on creating astonishment with their tricks and performances.
- The phrase 'Oh, wow!' has become synonymous with moments of astonishment in film and television, often used in response to unexpected events.
- Viral videos often capture astonishing feats, showcasing human skill and creativity that leave audiences amazed.
Science
- Astonishing discoveries, like the theory of relativity, have reshaped our understanding of the universe.
- In biology, astonishing adaptations in nature, such as the mimicry of certain animals, showcase the wonders of evolution.
- Scientific experiments often aim to produce astonishing results that challenge our previous knowledge and insights.
Origin of 'astonish'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'estoner', which means to stun or amaze.
- It has roots in the Latin 'tonare', meaning 'to thunder', reflecting how surprising something can be like a loud thunderclap.
- Initially, it was often associated with causing fear or shock, indicating something more dramatic than simple surprise.
The word 'astonish' originated from the Old French word 'estoner', meaning 'to stun' or 'to daze'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in English, retaining the meaning of causing great surprise or wonder.