Astonishingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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astonishingly

[ษ™หˆstษ’nษชสƒษชล‹li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

incredibly

In a surprising or impressive manner.

Synonyms

amazingly, incredibly, remarkably, surprisingly.

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Word Description / Examples
astonishingly

Used when something is so surprising or extraordinary that it almost seems unbelievable. Often implies a sense of wonder.

  • Astonishingly, the amateur climber reached the summit in record time
amazingly

Used when something is very impressive or outstanding, often in a positive sense, highlighting admiration.

  • Amazingly, she managed to finish the marathon despite her injury
incredibly

Used when something is hard to believe because it's so good, bad, or extreme. Can have both positive and negative connotations.

  • Incredibly, he solved the complex math problem in under a minute
surprisingly

Used when something happens that is unexpected and contrary to what you might think.

  • Surprisingly, the quiet student was the one who had all the answers
remarkably

Used to emphasize how unusual or special something is, typically in a noteworthy way.

  • Remarkably, the ancient artifact was found in nearly perfect condition

Examples of usage

  • She sings astonishingly well.
  • The magician performed astonishingly.
  • The team played astonishingly.
  • The movie was astonishingly good.
  • The results were astonishingly accurate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing astonishing events triggers the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which can lead to feelings of happiness.
  • Surprises, which include astonishing experiences, can enhance memory retention, making happenings feel more vivid in our minds.
  • Cognitive dissonance often plays a role when we encounter astonishing information, challenging our existing beliefs.

Pop Culture

  • Films with astonishing special effects have transformed the film industry, such as 'Avatar' and 'Inception,' captivating audiences worldwide.
  • Musicians like David Bowie have produced astonishing performances that leave fans in awe, showing how art can astonish us deeply.
  • Social media often highlights astonishing feats, from amazing stunts to extraordinary talents, captivating millions online.

Science

  • The astonishing diversity of life on Earth continues to amaze scientists, with millions of species yet to be discovered.
  • Astonishing technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, are changing how we interact with the world around us.
  • Astrophysics reveals astonishing facts about the universe, like the existence of black holes and the vastness of space.

Literature

  • Many classic novels contain astonishing plots that lead to unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Poets often use astonishing imagery and metaphors to convey deep emotions, leaving a lasting impact on their audience.
  • Authors like J.K. Rowling have crafted astonishing worlds that have captivated readers of all ages, blending imagination with reality.

Origin of 'astonishingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'astonishen,' which means to cause someone to feel shock or surprise.
  • It combines the prefix 'a-' meaning 'to' with 'ston', an Old French word for stun, highlighting its roots in feelings of shock.
  • Variations of the term appear in different languages, emphasizing universal human experiences of amazement.

The word 'astonishingly' is derived from the verb 'astonish', which comes from the Middle English 'astonien', meaning 'to stun' or 'amaze'. The suffix '-ly' is added to form the adverb 'astonishingly', indicating the manner in which something is done. The use of the word can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was used to describe something that caused great surprise or amazement.


See also: astonished, astonishing, astonishment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,903, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.