B2verbemotions
US/əˈstɑː.nɪʃ/
UK/əˈstɒn.ɪʃ/
to surprise someone very much
In context
The young pianist astonished the judges with her skill.
It never ceases to astonish me how fast children learn languages.
We were astonished by how cheap the food was in Hoi An.
Words that go with astonish
verb + preposition
- astonished byVisitors are often astonished by the size of the cave.
- astonished atShe was astonished at how much the city had changed.
verb + noun
- astonish the worldThe tiny country astonished the world by reaching the final.
- astonish everyoneHis decision to quit astonished everyone in the office.
- astonish peopleHer honesty never fails to astonish people.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I was astonishing by the result.Correct: I was astonished by the result.