Word
startled
Phoneticsstar·tled, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɑɹtəɫd/
UK/stˈɑːtəld/
Definition
adj. feeling a sudden shock or surprise because of something unexpected. You might feel this way if a loud noise happens suddenly.
adj. feeling sudden alarm or surprise, typically as a reaction to an unexpected stimulus. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'look', 'seem', or 'appear'.
Examples
“The loud bang left her feeling startled.”
“A startled deer jumped across the road when it heard the car approaching the forest edge.”
“The witness gave a startled gasp as the prosecutor revealed the hidden evidence, momentarily losing the composure she had maintained throughout the trial.”
Examples
simple
“The loud bang left her feeling startled.”
contextual
“A startled deer jumped across the road when it heard the car approaching the forest edge.”
complex
“The witness gave a startled gasp as the prosecutor revealed the hidden evidence, momentarily losing the composure she had maintained throughout the trial.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb or appears before a noun to describe a sudden state of shock.
Real-World Examples
“What startled us was how little it took to train a chatbot to radicalize.” “The answer seems to be: entertainment journalists on social media, reporters who are today startled and tickled pink to be cited in this way.” - 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
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