What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astonishes
Example
The magician's tricks always astonish the audience. [astonish: verb]
Example
Her talent for singing astonishes everyone who hears her. [astonishes: present tense]
amaze
Example
The beautiful sunset never fails to amaze me. [amaze: verb]
Example
His incredible skills on the piano amazed the entire audience. [amazed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amaze is more commonly used than astonishes in everyday language. Amaze is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while astonishes is less common and tends to be used in more formal situations or in writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between astonishes and amaze?
While astonishes is generally considered more formal, amaze can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both casual conversations and formal writing.