Astonishing vs Wow
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Astonishing | Wow | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Very surprising or amazing. | A word used to express surprise or excitement. |
| Register | - | informal |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | exclamation |
| 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 'wow' in casual conversations to show amazement or admiration. It may not be suitable for formal settings. |
Frequently asked questions: Astonishing vs Wow
What's the difference between "Astonishing" and "Wow"?
"Astonishing" means: Very surprising or amazing. "Wow" means: A word used to express surprise or excitement.
When should I use "Astonishing" and "Wow"?
"Wow" is informal.
Are "Astonishing" and "Wow" the same CEFR level?
"Astonishing" is at B2, "Wow" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.