Definitions
- Describing a sudden surprise or shock that leaves someone speechless. - Referring to a feeling of being taken aback by an unexpected event or situation. - Talking about a reaction of being caught off guard or unprepared for something.
- Describing a feeling of amazement or wonder at something unexpected or surprising. - Referring to a reaction of being shocked or stunned by an event or situation. - Talking about a state of disbelief or awe in response to something remarkable or extraordinary.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a strong emotional reaction to a surprising event or situation.
- 2Both words can be used to express a sense of shock or disbelief.
- 3Both words convey a feeling of being caught off guard or unprepared.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Astonished is a stronger emotion than aback and implies a greater degree of surprise or amazement.
- 2Duration: Astonished suggests a more prolonged state of surprise or wonder, while aback is a more fleeting reaction.
- 3Usage: Astonished is more commonly used in everyday language than aback, which is considered more formal or literary.
- 4Connotation: Astonished has a positive connotation, suggesting a sense of wonder or amazement, while aback can have a negative connotation, implying a sense of shock or disapproval.
Remember this!
Aback and astonished are synonyms that describe a strong emotional reaction to a surprising event or situation. However, astonished is a stronger emotion that suggests a more prolonged state of surprise or wonder, while aback is a more fleeting reaction. Additionally, astonished is more commonly used in everyday language and has a positive connotation, while aback is considered more formal or literary and can have a negative connotation.
