Definition

Adjective: - Astonished, bewildered, dumbfounded: A state of being extremely surprised and confused, often to the point of being unable to react or think clearly. It describes a stronger, more intense feeling of shock and disorientation than similar words.

Usage

This word is used to describe a person's expression or state of mind when they encounter something completely unexpected, shocking, or incomprehensible. It emphasizes a temporary loss of composure due to profound surprise.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nghe tin đó, anh ấy đứng sững lại, mặt mũi ngờ ngạc. (Hearing that news, he stood still, his face utterly astonished.)
  • Cô ấy nhìn tôi với ánh mắt ngờ ngạc, không hiểu chuyện gì đang xảy ra. (She looked at me with bewildered eyes, not understanding what was happening.)
  • Sự thật phũ phàng khiến mọi người đều ngờ ngạc. (The harsh truth left everyone dumbfounded.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngơ ngác": This is a close synonym but denotes a milder state of confusion, distraction, or being dazed, often from being lost in thought or a new environment. "Ngờ ngạc" is considered stronger, indicating a more intense shock.
  • Đứa trẻ lạc đường nhìn quanh với vẻ ngơ ngác. (The lost child looked around with a dazed expression.) [Less intense than ngờ ngạc]

Variants and Related Words

• Ngơ ngác (adj): Dazed, confused, distracted. (A milder, more common synonym).
• Kinh ngạc (adj): Amazed, astonished. (Focuses more on wonder/surprise than confusion).
• Sửng sốt (adj): Stunned, astounded. (Similar intensity, often due to shocking news).
• Bàng hoàng (adj): Staggered, horrified, deeply shocked. (Often implies an emotional blow or trauma).

Synonyms

• Sửng sốt: stunned, astounded.
• Kinh ngạc: amazed, astonished.

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has a single core meaning related to a state of intense surprise and confusion. It does not have other unrelated meanings. The provided reference context mentions "ngờ nghệch" (naive, simple), but this is a distinct word with a different meaning (lack of worldly experience) and should not be confused with "ngờ ngạc".

1. như ngơ ngác (nghĩa mạnh hơn)
   • Ngờ nghệch
     Naive, natural and innocent
   • Anh thanh niên ngờ nghệch
     A naive young man