Definitions
- Describing a sudden and unexpected reaction to a loud noise or sudden movement. - Referring to a feeling of surprise or shock caused by an unexpected event or situation. - Talking about a sudden and brief interruption of one's thoughts or actions.
- Describing a feeling of extreme surprise or amazement. - Referring to a reaction to something that is unexpected or beyond what was anticipated. - Talking about a state of being shocked or stunned by something that is unusual or extraordinary.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a reaction to something unexpected.
- 2Both words convey a sense of surprise or shock.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a sudden interruption of one's thoughts or actions.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Astonished conveys a stronger sense of surprise than startled.
- 2Cause: Startled is often caused by a sudden noise or movement, while astonished can be caused by any unexpected event or situation.
- 3Duration: Startled is a brief reaction, while astonished can last longer.
- 4Usage: Startled is more commonly used in everyday language, while astonished is more formal and less common.
- 5Connotation: Startled has a negative connotation, while astonished can have a positive or neutral connotation.
Remember this!
Startled and astonished are synonyms that both describe a reaction to something unexpected. However, startled is a brief and negative reaction to a sudden noise or movement, while astonished is a stronger and more formal reaction to any unexpected event or situation.
