Basic Details
Word: Astonishing
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is very surprising or amazing.
Synonyms: Amazing, incredible, surprising
Antonyms: Unremarkable, ordinary, expected
Idioms and Phrases
- Strike someone as astonishing: When something surprises someone greatly. Example: "The magician's trick struck everyone as astonishing; no one could figure out how he did it."
- Leave someone astonished: To surprise someone so much that they are speechless. Example: "The final score of the game left the fans astonished as they watched their team win unexpectedly."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The astonishing performance by the dancers captivated the entire audience.
Example 2: It was astonishing to see how quickly the plants grew after being watered regularly.
Example 3: The scientist made an astonishing discovery that could change our understanding of space.
Fun Fact
The word "astonish" comes from the Latin word "astonare," which means "to strike with thunder." This reflects how something astonishing can feel like a sudden shock or surprise!
Famous Quote
"The greatest events—they are not our loudest but our stillest hours." – Friedrich Nietzsche
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "astonishing" mean?
a) Very boring
b) Very surprising
c) Very useful
d) Very normal
Answer: b) Very surprising
2. Which of these is a synonym of "astonishing"?
a) Expected
b) Incredible
c) Ordinary
d) Simple
Answer: b) Incredible
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "astonishing"?
a) Amazing
b) Unremarkable
c) Incredible
d) Surprising
Answer: b) Unremarkable
4. Which sentence uses "astonishing" correctly?
a) The astonishing flower was very ugly.
b) Her astonishing idea won the competition.
c) It was astonishing to walk slowly.
d) The astonishing book was very boring.
Answer: b) Her astonishing idea won the competition.
5. Which idiom means the same as "astonishing"?
a) Leave someone astonished
b) Jump for joy
c) Play it by ear
d) Call it a day
Answer: a) Leave someone astonished
