B2nounemotionspsychology
US/əˈstɑː.nɪʃ.mənt/
UK/əˈstɒn.ɪʃ.mənt/
a feeling of great surprise, often because something is hard to believe
In context
To my astonishment, the shy boy won the singing contest.
She stared at the huge cake in astonishment.
His astonishment grew as the manager read out the long list of prizes.
Words that go with astonishment
adjective + noun
- to my astonishmentTo my astonishment, the door was unlocked.
- great astonishmentShe read the letter with great astonishment.
- utter astonishmentHe stared at her in utter astonishment.
noun + preposition
- in astonishmentThey watched in astonishment as the magician vanished.
- to the astonishment ofTo the astonishment of the crowd, the boy won the race.
verb + noun
- express astonishmentHe expressed astonishment at the low price.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I was astonishment when I heard the news.Correct: I was astonished when I heard the news.