Word
surprised
Phoneticssur·prised, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈpɹaɪzd/
UK/səpɹˈaɪzd/
Definition
adj. feeling or showing shock because something unexpected happened.
adj. experiencing or manifesting an emotional response to an unforeseen event or circumstance.
Examples
“I was surprised to see my old friend at the party.”
“She looked surprised when the waiter brought a cake to the table for her birthday.”
“The researchers were surprised by the results of the study, as the data contradicted their initial hypothesis regarding consumer behavior in the region.”
Examples
simple
“I was surprised to see my old friend at the party.”
contextual
“She looked surprised when the waiter brought a cake to the table for her birthday.”
complex
“The researchers were surprised by the results of the study, as the data contradicted their initial hypothesis regarding consumer behavior in the region.”
Usage
Often followed by the prepositions 'by' or 'at', or by a 'to' infinitive.
Pitfall
I am very surprising by the news.
I am very surprised by the news.
Use 'surprised' to describe how a person feels. Use 'surprising' to describe the thing that causes the feeling.
Confusables
Surprised is the feeling a person has; surprising is the quality of the thing that caused it.
Remember-ed = I feel it. -ing = It is that way.
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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