Definition

Adverb 1. In a way that causes surprise or astonishment; unexpectedly. Used to indicate that something is contrary to what one might expect or consider usual.

Usage

The adverb "surprisingly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express that the action or quality described is unexpected or remarkable. It often introduces a contrast between expectation and reality. - It is typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies. - It can also be placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire statement.

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:
  • The test was surprisingly easy. (One would not have expected it to be so easy.)
  • She gave a surprisingly candid interview.
• Modifying an adverb:
  • He finished the task surprisingly quickly.
• At the beginning of a sentence:
  • Surprisingly, the team with the worst record won the championship.
  • Surprisingly enough, I enjoyed the lecture.

Advanced Usage

• "Not surprisingly": Used to indicate that something is exactly as one would expect, and therefore is not a surprise. This phrase often introduces a logical or predictable outcome.
  • Not surprisingly, prices have increased due to high demand.
• "Perhaps/Most surprisingly": Used to emphasize a particularly unexpected element within a series or argument.
  • The plan was risky, complex, and, most surprisingly, successful.

Variants and Related Words

• Surprising (adjective): Causing a feeling of surprise.
  • The results were surprising.
• Surprise (noun/verb): (n) The feeling caused by something unexpected; (v) To cause someone to feel surprise.
  • Her arrival was a complete surprise.
  • He surprised us with a visit.

Synonyms

• Unexpectedly: In a way that was not anticipated.
• Astonishingly: In a way that causes great surprise or amazement.
• Remarkably: In a noteworthy or extraordinary way (often implies positive surprise).

Antonyms

• Predictably: As could be expected; in a way that is not surprising.
• Typically: In a way that shows the usual characteristics.
• Normally: Under normal or usual conditions.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Surprisingly enough: Used to reinforce that the following statement is true despite being unexpected. Similar in function to "surprisingly" alone but with added emphasis on the truth of the matter.
  • Surprisingly enough, I agree with you on this point.
• It is surprising that...: A common structure to introduce a surprising fact.
  • It is surprising that he agreed so readily.

Adverb

1. in an amazing manner; to everyone's surprise
   • amazingly, he finished medical school in three years
2. in a surprising manner
   • he was surprisingly friendly