What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stunned
Example
I was stunned when I heard the news of his sudden death. [stunned: adjective]
Example
The team was stunned by the sudden change in the game's outcome. [stunned: verb]
dumbfounded
Example
I was dumbfounded when I saw the amount of money he had won. [dumbfounded: adjective]
Example
The audience was dumbfounded by the magician's incredible trick. [dumbfounded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stunned is more commonly used than dumbfounded in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Dumbfounded is less common and may be considered more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stunned and dumbfounded?
Dumbfounded is often considered more formal than stunned, and it may be used in more academic or professional settings. Stunned is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
