A2adjective1K

Surprised

UK /["/səˈpraɪzd/"]/US /["/sərˈpraɪzd/"]/

Definition

feeling or showing surprise

In simple words: Feeling shocked or taken aback by something unexpected.

Examples

  • I was surprised to see my friend at the party.
  • She looked surprised when she opened the gift.
  • He was surprised by the unexpected news from his doctor.
  • They were surprised to find a hidden treasure in the old house.
  • We were all surprised when the movie ended so quickly.

Usage notes

Use 'surprised' when describing a reaction to unexpected events. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but in very formal writing, you might choose a synonym like 'taken aback'.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'surprise party' — you feel surprised when you walk in unannounced.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • feel
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • at
  • by

Synonyms

  • astonished
  • amazed
  • stunned
  • shocked
  • taken aback

Antonyms

  • unimpressed
  • bored
  • predictable

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'surprise' as a verb.
  • Using it inappropriately to describe a planned event.
  • Incorrectly using 'surprised' as a noun.