Cool MateSurprise
UK /["/səˈpraɪz/"]/US /["/sərˈpraɪz/"]/
Definition
an event, a piece of news, etc. that is unexpected or that happens suddenly
In simple words: When something happens that you did not expect.
Examples
- The birthday party was a complete surprise for her.
- His sudden arrival was a pleasant surprise to everyone.
- She had a surprise for him that he would never forget.
- The magician's tricks always leave the audience in surprise.
- To my surprise, I found a letter in the mailbox.
Usage notes
Use 'surprise' when something happens unexpectedly. It can be a good or bad feeling. In formal contexts, you might say 'unexpected event' instead. It's not suitable for overly serious discussions.
Grammar pattern
surprise + object
Memory hint
Think of 'surprise' as a 'sur-prize' you didn't see coming!
Collocations
- big
- complete
- genuine
- be
- come as
- get
- announcement
- appearance
- party
- surprise for
- surprise to
- a bit of a surprise
- quite a surprise
- hold few, many, no, etc. surprises
- great
- total
- utter
- express
- register
- show
- in surprise
- to somebody’s surprise
- with surprise
- an expression of surprise
- a look of surprise
- a gasp of surprise
- great
- total
- utter
- express
- register
- show
- in surprise
- to somebody’s surprise
- with surprise
- an expression of surprise
- a look of surprise
- a gasp of surprise
Synonyms
- astonishment
- shock
- stunning
- discovery
- revelation
Antonyms
- expectation
- predictability
Common mistakes
- 'Surprise' is often confused with 'amazed' — they are different.
- Some learners use 'surprise' as a noun when they mean the verb form.
- Confusing the noun form with the verb form, e.g., saying 'surprise me' when referring to an unexpected event.