Basic Details
Word: Flabbergasted
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Extremely surprised or shocked.
Synonyms: Astonished, amazed, dumbfounded
Antonyms: Unimpressed, indifferent, unsurprised
Idioms and Phrases
- Flabbergasted to bits: Used to express being completely shocked to the core. Example: "When she won the award, I was flabbergasted to bits!"
- Left flabbergasted: Used when someone is so surprised that they are momentarily speechless. Example: "He was left flabbergasted when he found out he had won the lottery."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I was flabbergasted when I heard the news that my best friend was moving away.
Example 2: The magician's final trick left the audience flabbergasted and in awe.
Example 3: When I opened the unexpected birthday gift, I was flabbergasted at how thoughtful it was.
Fun Fact
The word "flabbergasted" is believed to have originated in the 18th century in England, and it combines "flabber," which means to confuse, and "gast," which means to frighten. It perfectly describes a state of being completely blown away by surprise!
Famous Quote
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Franklin D. Roosevelt (Though not directly related to surprise, it speaks to overcoming the shocks of life.)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "flabbergasted" mean?
a) Extremely bored
b) Extremely surprised
c) Very tired
d) Quite happy
Answer: b) Extremely surprised
2. Which of these is a synonym of "flabbergasted"?
a) Unimpressed
b) Astonished
c) Indifferent
d) Calm
Answer: b) Astonished
3. Which is an antonym of "flabbergasted"?
a) Surprised
b) Amazed
c) Indifferent
d) Shocked
Answer: c) Indifferent
4. Which sentence uses "flabbergasted" correctly?
a) She was flabbergasted when she lost the game.
b) They were flabbergasted after the surprise party.
c) He felt flabbergasted after a long nap.
d) I was flabbergasted to read a book.
Answer: b) They were flabbergasted after the surprise party.
5. Which idiom means being extremely surprised?
a) Left flabbergasted
b) Cold as ice
c) Busy as a bee
d) Happy as a clam
Answer: a) Left flabbergasted
