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Astonishing: meaning, definitions and examples

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astonishing

 

[əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

expression of surprise

Causing great surprise or wonder; amazing.

Synonyms

amazing, astounding, incredible, remarkable, stunning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
astonishing

Use 'astonishing' for something that is shocking in a way that surprises everyone. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

  • The magician's tricks were absolutely astonishing
  • It is astonishing how quickly technology is advancing
amazing

Use 'amazing' for something that is extremely good or impressive. It is often used in casual conversation.

  • She has an amazing singing voice
  • The view from the top of the mountain is amazing
astounding

Use 'astounding' for something surprisingly impressive or hard to believe. Often used in more formal contexts.

  • The sheer size of the new skyscraper is astounding
  • His ability to solve complex problems so quickly is simply astounding
stunning

Use 'stunning' when something is so beautiful or impressive that it shocks people. It is often used to describe appearances.

  • She wore a stunning dress to the gala
  • The sunset over the ocean was simply stunning
remarkable

Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is unusual or worthy of attention. It suits both formal and informal contexts.

  • Her ability to stay calm under pressure is remarkable
  • The scientist made a remarkable discovery in the field of medicine
incredible

Use 'incredible' for something that is so extraordinary that it is almost hard to believe. Suitable for both casual and formal speech.

  • The athlete made an incredible comeback after the injury
  • The special effects in that movie were incredible

Examples of usage

  • The view from the top of the mountain was truly astonishing.
  • Her performance in the play was astonishingly good.
Context #2 | Adjective

impressive

Extremely impressive or outstanding.

Synonyms

awe-inspiring, breathtaking, extraordinary, impressive, marvelous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
astonishing

Use this to describe something that is surprising and amazing, often to the point of disbelief.

  • It's astonishing how quickly he learned to play the piano
  • The view from the top of the mountain was truly astonishing
impressive

This word is good for describing something that evokes admiration due to its quality or magnitude.

  • The team's performance was impressive during the finals
  • The castle architecture was particularly impressive
marvelous

Best for something that is extremely good or wonderful.

  • She cooked a marvelous dinner
  • They had a marvelous time on their vacation
awe-inspiring

This suits something that causes a sense of wonder and admiration, often due to its grandeur or beauty.

  • The ancient pyramids are awe-inspiring
  • Her performance on stage was awe-inspiring
breathtaking

This fits when describing something that literally takes your breath away because of its beauty or intensity.

  • The sunset over the ocean was breathtaking
  • The speed at which he ran the marathon was breathtaking
extraordinary

Use this for something that is very unusual or remarkable in a positive way.

  • He showed extraordinary bravery during the rescue
  • The artist's extraordinary talent was clear in all of her paintings

Examples of usage

  • The speed at which he completed the project was astonishing.
  • The details of the painting were astonishingly beautiful.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'astone', meaning 'to stun or shock', rooted in Old French 'estoner'.
  • The prefix 'a-' in 'astonishing' indicates a state of being, while 'ston' relates to a feeling of shock. Together, they create the meaning of being stunned.

Literature

  • Famous authors like H.G. Wells used astonishing moments to surprise readers in their science fiction tales.
  • In classic literature, characters often experience astonishing events that lead them to personal growth or adventures.

Science

  • In science, astonishing discoveries like penicillin have revolutionized medicine and changed how we treat infections.
  • Astonishing phenomena, such as the Northern Lights, leave observers in awe of nature's beauty.

Pop Culture

  • Many magic shows include astonishing tricks that leave the audience wondering, 'How did they do that?'
  • Movies often feature astonishing plot twists that shock the viewers, changing their understanding of the story.

Psychology

  • Astonishing experiences can trigger strong emotional responses, helping us remember moments vividly.
  • Cognitive research shows that astonishing events can enhance learning and memory retention due to their unexpected nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "astonishing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 surpreendente

🇮🇳 आश्चर्यजनक

🇩🇪 erstaunlich

🇮🇩 menakjubkan

🇺🇦 вражаючий

🇵🇱 zdumiewający

🇯🇵 驚くべき

🇫🇷 étonnant

🇪🇸 asombroso

🇹🇷 şaşırtıcı

🇰🇷 놀라운

🇸🇦 مدهش

🇨🇿 úžasný

🇸🇰 úžasný

🇨🇳 惊人的

🇸🇮 osupljiv

🇮🇸 undraverður

🇰🇿 таңғаларлық

🇬🇪 გასაოცარი

🇦🇿 heyrətamiz

🇲🇽 asombroso

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,674 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.