Definitions
- Describing something that causes a sudden shock or surprise. - Referring to an event or situation that is unexpected and catches one off guard. - Talking about a situation or action that is alarming or unsettling.
- Describing something that is unexpected or catches one off guard. - Referring to an event or situation that is not what was anticipated or predicted. - Talking about a situation or action that is unusual or unexpected.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something unexpected or not anticipated.
- 2Both words can be used to describe events, situations, or actions.
- 3Both words can be used to express a sense of shock or surprise.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Startling implies a stronger sense of shock or surprise than surprising.
- 2Cause: Startling often implies a sudden or abrupt cause, while surprising can refer to a more gradual or subtle cause.
- 3Emotion: Startling can evoke a sense of fear or alarm, while surprising is generally more positive in connotation.
- 4Frequency: Surprising is more commonly used than startling in everyday language.
- 5Usage: Startling is often used in more formal contexts, while surprising is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Remember this!
Startling and surprising are synonyms that both describe something unexpected or not anticipated. However, startling implies a stronger sense of shock or surprise, often with a sudden or abrupt cause, while surprising is generally more positive in connotation and can refer to a more gradual or subtle cause. Surprising is also more commonly used in everyday language and is more versatile in terms of formality.
