B2adjective3K

Astonishing

UK /["/əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

very surprising; difficult to believe

In simple words: Very surprising or amazing.

Examples

  • She ran 100m in an astonishing 10.6 seconds.
  • I find it absolutely astonishing that you didn't like it.
  • During this period London grew at an astonishing rate.
  • It was an astonishing way for a team captain to behave.
  • She coped with the press with astonishing skill for a 19-year-old.
  • The painting was sold at auction for an astonishing $30 million.
  • Then he had an astonishing piece of luck.

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.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'a-stunning' event that leaves you speechless.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • find something
  • really
  • truly
  • absolutely

Synonyms

  • amazing

Antonyms

  • unimpressive
  • ordinary
  • mundane

Common mistakes

  • Used too casually in informal situations.
  • Confused with 'astonished', which describes a feeling rather than something that causes astonishment.
  • Overused in contexts where 'surprising' or 'impressive' might be more appropriate.