What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thunderstruck
Example
I was thunderstruck when I found out I had won the lottery. [thunderstruck: adjective]
Example
The news left me thunderstruck and unable to speak for several minutes. [thunderstruck: adjective]
astonished
Example
I was astonished by the incredible acrobatics of the circus performers. [astonished: adjective]
Example
She looked at me with an astonished expression when I told her the news. [astonished: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astonished is more commonly used than thunderstruck in everyday language. Astonished is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while thunderstruck is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thunderstruck and astonished?
While thunderstruck is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, astonished is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
