Definitions
- Describing something that is extremely surprising or shocking. - Referring to an event or situation that is beyond what was expected or anticipated. - Talking about something that leaves people amazed or in disbelief.
- Describing something that is incredibly impressive or awe-inspiring. - Referring to an event or achievement that is remarkable or extraordinary. - Talking about something that leaves people in awe or wonder.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is impressive or surprising.
- 2Both words can be used to express amazement or disbelief.
- 3Both words convey a sense of wonder or astonishment.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Astonishing emphasizes the element of surprise or shock, while astounding focuses more on the sense of awe or admiration.
- 2Expectations: Astonishing suggests that something goes beyond what was expected, while astounding implies that something is remarkable or extraordinary.
- 3Usage: Astonishing is more commonly used in everyday language, while astounding is slightly less common.
- 4Connotation: Astonishing can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting disbelief or incredulity, while astounding generally has a positive connotation, indicating admiration or wonder.
- 5Subjectivity: The perception of what is astonishing can vary from person to person, while astounding tends to have a more universally impressive quality.
Remember this!
Astonishing and astounding are synonyms that both describe something impressive or surprising. However, there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations. Astonishing emphasizes the element of surprise or shock, going beyond expectations, while astounding focuses more on the sense of awe or admiration. Astonishing is more commonly used in everyday language and can sometimes have a negative connotation, while astounding is slightly less common and generally carries a positive connotation.
