NSW Selective & Scholarship

Learn “Astonishment”

A free exam-vocabulary guide with a precise meaning, natural context and a memory connection that makes the word easier to retrieve.

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NSW Selective & Scholarship

Astonishment

noun/uh-STON-ish-munt/

Meaning

A feeling of very great surprise or amazement.

In context

She stared in astonishment at the size of the goanna on the path.

Remember it

Astonishment can leave you 'stunned' — the 'ston' sound like being turned to stone.

Use it well

Use 'astonishment' for strong surprise; often in phrases like 'to my astonishment'.