Astonishing is a word that is used to describe something that is extremely surprising or unexpected. It is a word that can be used to express a wide range of emotions, from awe and wonder to shock and disbelief. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of astonishing, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, astonishing means “causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder; surprising or amazing.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “causing great surprise or amazement; astounding.”
Origin
The word astonishing has its roots in the Old French word “estoner,” which means “to stun” or “to amaze.” It was first used in English in the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definitions provided by Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, other dictionaries also provide similar definitions. For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines astonishing as “very surprising.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “causing great surprise or wonder; amazing.”
Associations
Astonishing is often associated with feelings of awe, wonder, and amazement. It can also be associated with feelings of shock, disbelief, and even fear in some cases.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for astonishing, including amazing, astounding, surprising, staggering, breathtaking, and incredible.
Antonyms
The antonyms of astonishing include ordinary, expected, predictable, and mundane.
The same root words
Other words that have the same root as astonishing include stun, stun gun, and stunning.
Example Sentences
- The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely astonishing.
- The amount of money he donated to charity was simply astonishing.
- The news of her sudden death was completely astonishing.
- The performance by the acrobats was truly astonishing.
- The speed at which the car was traveling was astonishing.
In conclusion, astonishing is a word that is used to describe something that is extremely surprising or unexpected. It is a word that can be associated with a wide range of emotions, from awe and wonder to shock and disbelief. Its origin can be traced back to the Old French word “estoner,” and it has been used in English since the 14th century. Synonyms for astonishing include amazing, astounding, and breathtaking, while antonyms include ordinary and predictable.