What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astonishing
Example
The magician's tricks were astonishing, leaving the audience in awe. [astonishing: adjective]
Example
It is astonishing how quickly she learned to play the piano. [astonishing: adverb]
startling
Example
The loud noise from the fireworks was startling and made everyone jump. [startling: adjective]
Example
She was startled by the sudden appearance of a spider on her desk. [startled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Startling is more commonly used than astonishing in everyday language. Startling is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while astonishing is less common and tends to be used in more formal or written situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astonishing and startling?
While startling is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, astonishing is more commonly used in formal or written contexts, making it suitable for more formal or academic writing.
