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. [astounded: past tense]
Example
I was astounded by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop. [astounded: adjective]
stun
Example
The sudden news of her promotion stunned her. [stunned: past tense]
Example
He was completely stunned by the unexpected turn of events. [stunned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stun is more commonly used than astound in everyday language. Stun is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while astound is less common and tends to be used in more formal or written situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astound and stun?
While stun can be used in both formal and informal contexts, astound is typically associated with a more formal tone. Astound is often used in written or formal speech to convey a sense of awe or admiration, while stun can be used in a wider range of formality levels.