What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
startle
Example
The loud bang startled me and made me jump. [startled: past tense]
Example
She was startled by the sudden appearance of the spider. [startled: verb]
surprise
Example
I was surprised to see my old friend at the party. [surprised: past tense]
Example
The surprise party was a huge success and everyone had a great time. [surprise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surprise is more commonly used than startle in everyday language. Surprise is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while startle is less common and typically used in specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between startle and surprise?
Both startle and surprise can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but surprise is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
