Astonishing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฒ
astonishing
[ษหstษnษชสษชล ]
Definitions
expression of surprise
Causing great surprise or wonder; amazing.
Synonyms
amazing, astounding, incredible, remarkable, stunning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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astonishing |
Use 'astonishing' for something that is shocking in a way that surprises everyone. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.
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amazing |
Use 'amazing' for something that is extremely good or impressive. It is often used in casual conversation.
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astounding |
Use 'astounding' for something surprisingly impressive or hard to believe. Often used in more formal contexts.
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stunning |
Use 'stunning' when something is so beautiful or impressive that it shocks people. It is often used to describe appearances.
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remarkable |
Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is unusual or worthy of attention. It suits both formal and informal contexts.
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incredible |
Use 'incredible' for something that is so extraordinary that it is almost hard to believe. Suitable for both casual and formal speech.
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Examples of usage
- The view from the top of the mountain was truly astonishing.
- Her performance in the play was astonishingly good.
impressive
Extremely impressive or outstanding.
Synonyms
awe-inspiring, breathtaking, extraordinary, impressive, marvelous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
astonishing |
Use this to describe something that is surprising and amazing, often to the point of disbelief.
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impressive |
This word is good for describing something that evokes admiration due to its quality or magnitude.
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marvelous |
Best for something that is extremely good or wonderful.
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awe-inspiring |
This suits something that causes a sense of wonder and admiration, often due to its grandeur or beauty.
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breathtaking |
This fits when describing something that literally takes your breath away because of its beauty or intensity.
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extraordinary |
Use this for something that is very unusual or remarkable in a positive way.
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Examples of usage
- The speed at which he completed the project was astonishing.
- The details of the painting were astonishingly beautiful.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'astonishing'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'astonishing' originated from the Middle English word 'a-stonien,' which means 'to stun' or 'to render senseless.' Over time, the meaning evolved to convey the idea of causing great surprise or wonder. The word has been used in English literature and speech to describe remarkable or amazing things, capturing the essence of awe and wonder.
See also: astonished, astonishingly, astonishment.
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.
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- 8671 irrigated
- 8672 masonry
- 8673 validation
- 8674 astonishing
- 8675 marching
- 8676 predetermined
- 8677 stiffness
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