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 her promotion. [astonished: adjective]
Example
He looked at me with an astonished expression on his face. [astonished: past participle]
flabbergasted
Example
I was flabbergasted when I found out I won the lottery. [flabbergasted: adjective]
Example
She was flabbergasted by the news that her favorite band was coming to town. [flabbergasted: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astonished is more commonly used than flabbergasted in everyday language. Astonished is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while flabbergasted is less common and may be considered more informal or regional.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astonished and flabbergasted?
Neither astonished nor flabbergasted are particularly formal words, but astonished is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while flabbergasted is more colloquial and may be considered less appropriate in formal settings.
