Astonishment: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'astonishment' to express a deep sense of wonder or amazement, especially when something is unexpected or rare.

• She was in astonishment when she saw the Grand Canyon for the first time

Amazement is often used in a positive context to describe feeling surprised in a delightful or impressive way.

• The children watched the magician with amazement as he pulled a rabbit out of the hat

Surprise can be used in both positive and negative contexts to describe the feeling of being caught off guard by something unexpected.

• She got a pleasant surprise when she found out she had won the lottery

Shock is used to describe a strong and often negative reaction to something sudden or traumatic.

• He was in shock after hearing about the sudden passing of his friend

Astonishment is used when someone is greatly surprised or impressed by something unexpected or extraordinary.

• She looked at the painting in astonishment
• His jaw dropped in astonishment when he won the lottery

Amazement is used when expressing great wonder or overwhelming surprise, often in a positive or awe-inspiring context.

• The audience watched in amazement as the magician performed his tricks
• His eyes were filled with amazement when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time

Surprise is used when someone experiences something unexpected, whether positive or negative, but not as intense as shock.

• He expressed surprise at getting a gift from a stranger
• The sudden change in weather came as a surprise to us

Shock is used when someone is suddenly and intensely surprised, often in a negative or traumatic context.

• She couldn't hide her shock when she heard the bad news
• The news of his sudden departure left everyone in shock