Astonished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฒ
astonished
[ษหstษnษชสt ]
Definitions
feeling
feeling or showing great surprise or wonder
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| astonished |
Used when someone is extremely surprised by something unexpected.
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| amazed |
Used to express a strong feeling of wonder or admiration, often in a positive way.
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| shocked |
Used for situations where someone is extremely surprised and disturbed or upset, often in a negative way.
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| surprised |
Used when someone experiences a mild to strong feeling of surprise, generally unexpected but not extreme.
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Examples of usage
- I was astonished by the news.
- She looked astonished at the result.
action
to fill with sudden and overpowering surprise or wonder; amaze
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| astonished |
This word is commonly used when someone is very surprised or taken aback by something unexpected. It often has a positive or neutral connotation.
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| amaze |
Use this word when you want to describe a situation or event that fills someone with wonder or great surprise. It typically carries a positive connotation.
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| astound |
This word is used in situations where the surprise or shock is very strong, often to the point of disbelief. It can be either positive or negative.
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| bewilder |
This word is best used when the surprise leads to confusion or puzzlement. It has a more negative undertone compared to the others.
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Examples of usage
- The magician's tricks astonished the audience.
- We were astonished by the beauty of the landscape.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In films, characters often express astonishment with wide eyes and dramatic music, highlighting the unexpected plot twists.
- The phrase 'astonished silence' often appears in literature, where a sudden reveal leaves characters speechless.
- Popular songs have used the feeling of being astonished to capture emotions tied to love, loss, and discovery.
Psychology
- Astonishment triggers a unique reaction in the brain that combines surprise with an evaluation process.
- Experiencing astonishment can lead to a lasting memory, as surprising events often require deeper cognitive processing.
- This emotion is part of a broader spectrum of human reactions to novelty and helps in adapting to new information.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often express astonishment to emphasize social or personal revelations.
- Many classic novels feature moments of astonishment that propel the plot forward, drawing readers into the narrative.
- The theme of astonishment is frequently used in magical realism, where characters encounter the unbelievable in their everyday lives.
Science
- Research shows that surprising discoveries in science, like unexpected results in experiments, can lead to breakthroughs.
- Astonishment plays a role in education, as students often learn better when they encounter surprising information that challenges their beliefs.
- In psychology experiments, people report feeling more engaged and curious when they are astonished by new findings.
Origin of 'astonished'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'estoner', which means to stun or shock.
- It has roots in the Latin word 'tonare', meaning 'to thunder', suggesting something suddenly loud or surprising.
- The shift from 'estoner' to 'astonished' in English illustrates how languages evolve and borrow from one another.
The word 'astonished' originated from the Middle English word 'astonyed' which came from the Old French 'estoner' meaning 'to stun'. The prefix 'a-' in 'astonished' adds the meaning of 'intensely'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form and usage in the English language.
See also: astonishing, astonishingly, astonishment.