Astonished Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/əsˈtɑnɪʃt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or Adjective

Definition

A state of shock or surprise, often characterized by a sudden feeling of alarm or amazement.

Examples

• The news of her recovery left everyone astonishing.
• The tourists were astonished by the beauty of the city.

Synonyms

• Astounded
• Bewildered
• Flabbergasted

Antonyms

• Expected
• Predictable

Additional Information

Astonishment can be a powerful emotion, often used to describe a moment of profound surprise or shock. It can be fleeting or lingering, and can have a profound impact on one’s perspective or behavior.

Astonishment can also be used to describe a person’s reaction to something, such as a work of art, a performance, or a discovery. When someone is astonished, they may express their amazement through vocalizations, gestures, or physical reactions.

Etymology

The word “astonished” originates from the Old English words “a-aston” and “stunned”, meaning “without astonishment” and “stunned” respectively.

Usage Notes

Astonishment is often used to describe a sudden or unexpected event, but it can also be used to describe a person’s reaction to something they have been expecting but were still surprised by.

Astonishment can be a strong emotion, so it’s often used in formal language or in situations where a strong reaction is called for.

Cultural References

Astonishment has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”, Prince Hamlet is astonished by his father’s ghost.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Speechless with astonishment” – completely amazed
• “Astonished by the news” – shocked and surprised by the news

Related Words or Phrases

• Awe
• Wonder
• Surprise

Collocations

• Astonished by the sight
• Astonished at the news
• Astonished by the revelation

Frequency of Use

Astonishment is a common emotion in everyday life, and the word is frequently used in a variety of contexts, including literature, film, and conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Astounded
• Astute
• Asthetic