Word
astounding
Phoneticsas·tound·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈstaʊndɪŋ/
UK/ɐstˈaʊndɪŋ/
Definition
adj. so surprising or amazing that it is hard to believe.
adj. causing great surprise or sudden wonder; characterized by an ability to shock or amaze the observer.
Examples
“The view from the top was astounding.”
“Her recovery from the accident was astounding to the medical team.”
“The sheer scale of the ancient ruins left the visitors with an astounding sense of history and human achievement.”
Examples
simple
“The view from the top was astounding.”
contextual
“Her recovery from the accident was astounding to the medical team.”
complex
“The sheer scale of the ancient ruins left the visitors with an astounding sense of history and human achievement.”
Usage
Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Teaching tip
This is a stronger word than 'surprising'. It implies that the person seeing or hearing the news is almost shocked by it.
Pitfall
I 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.
Real-World Examples
“There is no cure for SPS, but the work Dion has put into managing her condition so she can perform again is astounding.” “The performance history of The Song of Hiawatha makes for an astounding story.” Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/astounding