Astonishing vs Remarkable

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

 AstonishingRemarkable
MeaningVery surprising or amazing.Very special or unusual, worth noticing.
CEFR levelB2B2
Part of speechadjectiveadjective
Usage notesUse 'astonishing' to describe something that causes great surprise or wonder. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but may be less common in casual everyday 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.

Frequently asked questions: Astonishing vs Remarkable

What's the difference between "Astonishing" and "Remarkable"?

"Astonishing" means: Very surprising or amazing. "Remarkable" means: Very special or unusual, worth noticing.

When should I use "Astonishing" and "Remarkable"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Astonishing" and "Remarkable" the same CEFR level?

"Astonishing" is at B2, "Remarkable" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.

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