Cool MateAstonishing vs Surprising
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Astonishing | Surprising | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Very surprising or amazing. | Causing wonder or shock because it is unexpected. |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use '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 'surprising' for events or information that are not what someone expects. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in formal writing when a more precise adjective could fit better. |
Frequently asked questions: Astonishing vs Surprising
What's the difference between "Astonishing" and "Surprising"?
"Astonishing" means: Very surprising or amazing. "Surprising" means: Causing wonder or shock because it is unexpected.
When should I use "Astonishing" and "Surprising"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Astonishing" and "Surprising" the same CEFR level?
"Astonishing" is at B2, "Surprising" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.