Word adjective
astounding
adj.
US /əˈstaʊndɪŋ/ UK /ɐstˈaʊndɪŋ/ as·tound·ing
Definition
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
so surprising or amazing that it is hard to believe.
causing great surprise or sudden wonder; characterized by an ability to shock or amaze the observer.
Simple“The team made an astounding comeback and won the game in the final minute.”
In context“The archaeological team made an astounding discovery when they unearthed a perfectly preserved villa beneath the modern city streets.”
UsageUsually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Teacher's tipThis is a stronger word than 'surprising'. It implies that the person seeing or hearing the news is almost shocked by it.
PitfallI was astounding by the news. I was astounded by the news.Use 'astounding' to describe the thing that causes the surprise, and 'astounded' to describe how a person feels.
SynonymsAntonyms
Real-world usage
“The performance history of The Song of Hiawatha makes for an astounding story.”
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated