astonished
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: * Filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock: Describes a state of being greatly surprised, amazed, or shocked to the point where one's normal reactions are temporarily suspended.
Usage
The word "astonished" is used to describe a person's reaction to something unexpected, incredible, or shocking. It implies a stronger feeling than simple surprise. * It is typically used with a form of the verb "to be" (e.g., am, is, are, was, were, be) or "to feel." * It can be followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "by" or "at" to indicate the cause of the astonishment. * It can also be followed by an infinitive ("to" + verb) or a "that" clause.
Examples
- With "by" or "at":
- The teacher was astonished by the student's profound question.
- We were astonished at the sudden change in weather.
- With an infinitive:
- I was astonished to learn she had never seen the ocean.
- With a "that" clause:
- He seemed astonished that anyone would disagree with him.
- Standalone or with an adverb:
- Her performance left the judges utterly astonished.
- "You passed the exam?" he asked, looking astonished.
Advanced Usage
- "To one's astonishment": This phrase is used to introduce the cause of surprise from the perspective of the person feeling it.
- Much to her astonishment, she won first prize.
- "Astonishing" (Adjective): Describes the thing that causes the astonishment, meaning "very surprising or amazing."
- The magician performed an astonishing trick.
Variants and Related Words
- Astonish (verb): To fill with sudden wonder or surprise.
- The news will astonish everyone.
- Astonishingly (adverb): In a way that causes great surprise.
- The plan was astonishingly simple.
- Astonishment (noun): The feeling of being greatly surprised.
- She stared in astonishment.
Synonyms
- Amazed: Filled with wonder or surprise.
- Astounded: Shocked with wonder or surprise (often stronger than astonished).
- Stunned: So shocked that one is temporarily unable to react.
- Flabbergasted: Extremely surprised (informal).
- Dumbfounded: So shocked or surprised that one cannot speak.
Antonyms
- Unsurprised
- Unimpressed
- Expectant
- Unmoved
Idioms and Phrases
- Astonished beyond belief: So surprised that it is difficult to accept what has happened.
- The verdict left the family astonished beyond belief.
Adjective
- filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
- an amazed audience gave the magician a standing ovation
- I stood enthralled, astonished by the vastness and majesty of the cathedral
- astounded viewers wept at the pictures from the Oklahoma City bombing
- stood in stunned silence
- stunned scientists found not one but at least three viruses