What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astounded
Example
I was astounded by the news of her sudden resignation. [astounded: adjective]
Example
The audience was astounded by the magician's incredible performance. [astounded: verb]
astonished
Example
I was astonished by the beauty of the sunset over the ocean. [astonished: adjective]
Example
She was astonished to find out that she had won the lottery. [astonished: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astonished is more commonly used than astounded in everyday language. Astonished is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while astounded is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astounded and astonished?
Astounded may be considered more formal or literary than astonished, which is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
