ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surprising

adj. · n.
US //səˈpɹaɪzɪŋ// UK //səpɹˈaɪzɪŋ// sur·pris·ing
  1. 1 unexpected (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    causing you to feel surprised because you did not expect it.

    causing astonishment or wonder due to being unexpected or unusual.

    Example

    It was surprising that the small shop had exactly what I needed.

    Example

    The researchers found a surprising correlation between sleep patterns and creative output, which challenged several long-held assumptions in the field.

    Usage

    usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
    Pitfall
    I am very surprising by the news.
    I am very surprised by the news.

    Use 'surprising' for the thing that causes the feeling, and 'surprised' for the person who has the feeling.

  2. 2 the act of being surprised (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of surprising someone or the state of being surprised.

    the gerundial use of the verb, referring to the action of catching someone off guard or the experience of astonishment.

    Example

    The surprising of the enemy was the main goal of the secret mission.

    Example

    The sudden surprising of the guests by the host's announcement led to a momentary silence in the ballroom.

    Usage

    often functions as a verbal noun in formal or literary contexts.
Origin

From surprise + -ing.

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