Astonished

Astonished describes a state of great surprise or amazement. It signifies a sudden and powerful emotional response to something unexpected, remarkable, or difficult to believe. This feeling can range from mild surprise to utter disbelief, and it often manifests in physical reactions such as widened eyes, a gasp, or a general sense of being overwhelmed. Astonishment is usually triggered by something perceived as extraordinary, whether it's a sudden piece of information, an unexpected event, or the display of an impressive skill. The depth of the astonishment correlates with the degree of perceived improbability or the impact the surprising element has on the individual's existing understanding or expectations. It often leads to a temporary disruption of thought, followed by a need to process and understand the new information or event. The word captures the profound effect of encountering something outside of the norm and provokes a shift in one's perception.

Astonished meaning with examples

• Upon seeing her childhood best friend appear at her surprise party, Sarah was completely astonished. The room fell silent as everyone watched her take in the scene, her jaw dropping in utter disbelief. She hadn't spoken to him in years. The overwhelming shock of his presence, combined with the joy of seeing him, left her speechless for several moments.
• The magician’s final trick left the audience astonished. He seemingly levitated a grand piano, leaving everyone bewildered. The impossible feat challenged their understanding of physics and reality. They remained fixed in their seats, wondering how they could possibly comprehend this display. The silence quickly turned into a chorus of gasps and amazed whispers.
• Having expected a small, intimate gathering, Mark was astonished to find a ballroom filled with guests at his wedding. The elaborate decorations and lavish food and drink, surpassed all expectations. He couldn't fathom how his family had managed to keep the celebration a secret. The opulence of the event brought an immediate wave of overwhelming happiness.
• Reading the newspaper headline that announced his unexpected promotion to CEO, John was utterly astonished. After years of diligent work, he finally achieved this goal. It seemed like an impossible feat, but the official news forced the reality of his new role to sink in. The recognition of all of his hard work brought a swell of immense pride.