What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astound
Example
The magician's trick astounded the audience. [astounded: verb]
Example
I was astounded by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop. [astounded: past participle]
surprise
Example
She surprised me with a birthday cake. [surprised: verb]
Example
It was a pleasant surprise to see my old friend at the party. [surprise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surprise is more commonly used than astound in everyday language. Surprise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while astound is less common and used in more specific situations where the level of amazement is exceptionally high.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between astound and surprise?
While astound is typically associated with a more formal tone, surprise is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
