What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astonished
Example
I was astonished by the news of his sudden death. [astonished: adjective]
Example
She looked at me with an astonished expression on her face. [astonished: past participle]
amazed
Example
I am amazed by the beauty of this place. [amazed: verb]
Example
The audience was amazed by the magician's performance. [amazed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amazed is more commonly used than astonished in everyday language. Amazed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while astonished is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astonished and amazed?
Astonished is generally considered more formal or literary than amazed. While both words can be used in formal and informal contexts, astonished may be more appropriate in writing or formal situations, while amazed is more suitable for everyday conversation.
