dumbfounding
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Bewildering or striking dumb with wonder: Causing extreme astonishment or shock that leaves a person speechless and unable to think clearly.
Usage
The adjective "dumbfounding" is used to describe an event, fact, or situation that is so surprising, shocking, or incredible that it temporarily stuns a person, making them unable to speak or react. It emphasizes a profound level of unexpectedness.
Examples
- The magician's dumbfounding trick left the entire audience in complete silence.
- The scientist presented dumbfounding evidence that challenged the existing theory.
- Her sudden resignation was dumbfounding to all her colleagues.
Advanced Usage
- "to find something dumbfounding": To be utterly amazed or shocked by something.
- I find his lack of basic knowledge on the subject absolutely dumbfounding.
- Used in formal and informal contexts to convey a strong reaction of disbelief or awe.
Variants and Related Words
- Dumbfound (verb): To astonish and bewilder.
- The news dumbfounded everyone in the room.
- Dumbfounded (adjective): Filled with astonishment.
- She had a dumbfounded expression on her face.
Synonyms
- Astonishing: Extremely surprising or impressive.
- Bewildering: Confusing or perplexing.
- Stunning: So impressive or surprising as to cause temporary astonishment.
- Flabbergasting (informal): Extremely surprised.
Antonyms
- Expected: Regarded as likely to happen.
- Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
- Predictable: Able to be predicted or anticipated.
Idioms and Phrases
Note: "Dumbfounding" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom. It is used as a standalone descriptive adjective. - To be struck dumb: To be so surprised that one cannot speak. (This phrase conveys a similar meaning to the state caused by something dumbfounding.) - The verdict left the defendant struck dumb.
Adjective
- bewildering or striking dumb with wonder