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Astounded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฒ
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astounded

[ษ™หˆstaสŠndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional reaction

Astounded means to be greatly surprised or impressed. It often implies a sense of shock or astonishment due to unexpected events or information.

Synonyms

amazed, astonished, stunned, surprised.

Examples of usage

  • She was astounded by the beauty of the sunset.
  • The audience was astounded by the magician's tricks.
  • He was astounded to learn he had won the lottery.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters are often astounded by unexpected twists, reflecting the author's ability to surprise readers.
  • Shakespeare frequently used expressions of astonishment in his plays to heighten drama and emphasize character emotions.

Psychology

  • Research shows our brain's response to surprising events can create lasting memories, meaning we often remember things that astound us.
  • When people are astounded, their emotions trigger a dopamine release, contributing to the feeling of joy or exhilaration.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often showcases stunts and outcomes that leave audiences astounded, enhancing viewer engagement and excitement.
  • Magic shows are designed to astound audiences through illusions, creating a sense of wonder and disbelief.

Everyday Life

  • Everyday events can astound us โ€“ like witnessing a breathtaking sunset or receiving unexpected good news.
  • People often express astonishment with phrases like 'Wow!' or 'No way!' when they encounter surprising situations.

Origin of 'astounded'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'astound' comes from the Old English 'astundan', meaning to โ€˜stunโ€™ or โ€˜dazeโ€™ someone.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word 'stฤ', meaning 'to stand', indicating a sense of being 'stopped' by shock.

The word 'astounded' originates from the Middle English term 'astounden,' which means to stun or astonish. This term can be traced back to the Old French verb 'estoner,' meaning to cause to be astonished or dazed. The roots of 'estoner' are further linked to the Latin word 'extonare,' which means 'to thunder out' or 'to be struck with lightning.' Over time, 'astound' evolved to describe a state of being overwhelmed with surprise or shock, reflecting the intensity of the reaction that can accompany encountering something unexpected or extraordinary. Its usage has been consistent in literature and conversation to convey a strong reaction to astonishing events or revelations.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,879, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.