Definitions
- Describing a feeling of great surprise or amazement. - Referring to something that is unexpected or beyond what was anticipated. - Talking about an event or action that leaves someone in awe or disbelief.
- Referring to a sudden and unexpected reaction to a loud noise or sudden movement. - Describing the feeling of being surprised or frightened by something unexpected. - Talking about a sudden and involuntary physical or emotional response to a startling event.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve a reaction to something unexpected.
- 2Both can cause a feeling of surprise or shock.
- 3Both can be triggered by sudden events or actions.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Astonish is usually caused by something impressive or extraordinary, while startle is typically caused by something sudden or unexpected.
- 2Intensity: Astonish is often associated with a stronger and more profound sense of surprise or amazement, while startle is usually a momentary and brief reaction.
- 3Physical response: Startle often involves a physical response such as jumping or screaming, while astonish is more focused on the emotional or mental reaction.
- 4Expectation: Astonish can happen even when there is no specific expectation, while startle implies a disruption of a person's current state of mind or environment.
- 5Connotation: Astonish has a positive connotation and is often used to describe something impressive or extraordinary, while startle can have a negative connotation and is associated with being surprised or frightened.
Remember this!
Astonish and startle are synonyms that both describe a reaction to something unexpected. However, the difference between astonish and startle lies in the cause, intensity, physical response, expectation, and connotation. Astonish is usually caused by something impressive, extraordinary, or beyond expectations, and it elicits a stronger and more profound sense of surprise or amazement. On the other hand, startle is typically caused by something sudden or unexpected, resulting in a momentary and brief reaction, often accompanied by a physical response such as jumping or screaming. Astonish has a positive connotation, while startle can have a negative connotation.