astounded vs astonished

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A comparison of two adjectives that both mean extremely surprised, asking how they differ in meaning or use.

   Grammar: Used as a heading or question label, not inside a normal sentence; say 'the difference between astounded and astonished' in running text.

   Patterns

   • astounded vs astonished
   • the difference between astounded and astonished

   Many learners search for 'astounded vs astonished' because the two words look almost the same.

   In the lesson we discussed astounded vs astonished and when each one sounds natural.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Extremely surprised, especially by something impressive or hard to believe; slightly stronger and more dramatic than astonished.

   Grammar: Often used after be or a linking verb: be astounded at/by something; can also come before a noun: an astounded crowd.

   Patterns

   • be astounded by something
   • be astounded at something
   • astounded to hear/see something
   • an astounded look

   We were astounded by how quickly the small team finished the project.

   She was astounded to hear that her old school had closed.

   He gave an astounded laugh when he saw the size of the bill.

3. 3adjectivecomparable

   Very surprised, often because something is unexpected or unusual; the more common and slightly more neutral word of the two.

   Grammar: Usually follows be or another linking verb: be astonished at/by something; before a noun it describes a person or their expression.

   Patterns

   • be astonished by something
   • be astonished at something
   • astonished to find/learn something
   • an astonished expression

   I was astonished by how much the city had changed in five years.

   They were astonished to find the shop still open at midnight.

   Her astonished face showed that she had not expected the prize.

Common combinations

absolutely astounded

The audience was absolutely astounded by the young pianist.

astounded by the news

Everyone in the office was astounded by the news of the merger.

astonished at the result

The coach was astonished at the result of the final match.

astonished to learn

I was astonished to learn that the museum is free on Sundays.

a look of astonishment

There was a look of astonishment on his face when the doors opened.

Synonyms and how they differ

amazed

Very close in meaning, but amazed often suggests wonder and admiration rather than pure shock, so it fits pleasant surprises better.

stunned

Stronger and more physical; it suggests being so shocked that you cannot react or speak for a moment.

surprised

Much weaker and more everyday; use it for small, ordinary surprises, not for something overwhelming.

dumbfounded

Stronger and more informal, suggesting you are so shocked you cannot think of anything to say.

Opposites

Word family

astound verb

To surprise someone very greatly: The result astounded everyone.

astounding adjective

Extremely surprising or impressive: an astounding amount of money.

astonish verb

To surprise someone very much: The news astonished the whole family.

astonishing adjective

Very surprising: an astonishing discovery.

astonishment noun

The feeling of great surprise: She stared in astonishment.

Commonly confused: astounded vs astonished or astounded vs astonishing? astounded vs astonished or astonished vs astonishment?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “astounded vs astonished”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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