Word
astonished
Phoneticsas·ton·ished, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈstɑnɪʃt/
UK/ɐstˈɒnɪʃt/
Definition
adj. feeling very surprised or shocked by something you did not expect.
adj. feeling or showing great surprise or amazement. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'seem'.
Examples
“I was astonished to hear that she won the race.”
“The scientists were astonished by the results of the experiment, as they contradicted years of previous research.”
“He stood there with an astonished expression, unable to comprehend how the small startup had managed to outperform the industry giants in such a short period.”
Examples
simple
“I was astonished to hear that she won the race.”
contextual
“The scientists were astonished by the results of the experiment, as they contradicted years of previous research.”
complex
“He stood there with an astonished expression, unable to comprehend how the small startup had managed to outperform the industry giants in such a short period.”
Usage
Typically follows a linking verb and is often followed by 'to' + infinitive or the preposition 'by' or 'at'.
Pitfall
It was an astonished news
It was astonishing news
Learners often confuse the -ed adjective (describing a feeling) with the -ing adjective (describing the thing that causes the feeling).
Real-World Examples
“He looks astonished by what he has achieved.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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