Cool MateAstonishing to behold vs Remarkable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Astonishing to behold
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Remarkable
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Most formal: Astonishing to beholdMost common: Remarkable
| Astonishing to behold | Remarkable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈstɒn.ɪʃ.ɪŋ tə bɪˈhoʊld//🇺🇸 //əˈstɑː.nɪ.ʃɪŋ tə bɪˈhoʊld// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very surprising and impressive to see. | Very special or unusual, worth noticing. |
| Example | The view from the mountaintop was astonishing to behold. | The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | astonishing beauty, astonishing talent, astonishing discovery | be, seem, absolutely, just, most, for |
| Antonyms | - | ordinary, unremarkable, mundane |
| Common mistakes | Using 'astonishing' in informal contexts., Mixing up with 'amazing' when a formal tone is needed. | Confused with 'remarkable' and 'notable', which have subtle differences in connotation., Using 'remarkable' in a negative context, which doesn't fit its positive meaning., Overusing it; it can sound exaggerated if used too frequently. |
| Usage notes | Use in formal contexts such as writing or speeches. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is impressive, surprising, or extraordinary. It is neutral in tone, so it can be used in most contexts, including both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice. |
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Frequently asked questions: Astonishing to behold vs Remarkable
What's the difference between Astonishing to behold and Remarkable?
Astonishing to behold: Very surprising and impressive to see. Remarkable: Very special or unusual, worth noticing.
Which is more formal: Astonishing to behold and Remarkable?
Astonishing to behold is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Astonishing to behold and Remarkable?
Remarkable is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Astonishing to behold: The view from the mountaintop was astonishing to behold. Remarkable: The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever.
Can I use Astonishing to behold and Remarkable interchangeably?
Not always. Astonishing to behold and Remarkable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.