# amaze

/əˈmeɪz/ (US) · /ɐmˈeɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amaze
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to surprise someone very much. You use this when something is so impressive or unexpected that it is hard to believe.

For teachers: to fill someone with great surprise or sudden wonder. Often used in the passive voice to describe a state of being overwhelmed by an impressive sight or achievement.

## Examples

- The magician's tricks always amaze the children.
- The young athlete's speed and stamina continue to amaze her coaches during every practice session.
- The sheer scale of the ancient ruins never fails to amaze visitors, who often find themselves humbled by the architectural sophistication of a lost civilization.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am very amaze by the news." but "I am very amazed by the news." — Learners often use the base verb instead of the past participle (-ed) when describing their own feelings.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. Frequently appears in the passive form 'to be amazed by/at'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.