What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astound
Example
The magician's tricks astounded the audience. [astound: verb]
Example
I was astounded by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop. [astounded: past tense]
astonish
Example
Her talent for singing astonished everyone at the talent show. [astonish: verb]
Example
I was astonished to find out that she had won the lottery. [astonished: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astonish is more commonly used than astound in everyday language. Astonish is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more common in everyday conversations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between astound and astonish?
While astound is more formal and less commonly used in informal conversations, astonish is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.