Surprised
/sərˈpraɪzd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause someone to feel astonishment or amazement.
/sərˈpraɪz/
To cause someone to feel surprise.
I surprised my friend with a visit.
💡 Simply: When you do something unexpected that makes someone feel happy or amazed, you surprise them! Like when your friend brings you a gift out of the blue.
👶 For kids: To do something that makes someone go 'Wow!'
More Examples
The ending of the movie surprised everyone.
He surprised the audience with his performance.
How It's Used
"She surprised him with a party."
"The unexpected victory surprised many analysts."
Feeling astonishment or amazement.
/sərˈpraɪzd/
Feeling or showing surprise.
She was surprised at the news.
💡 Simply: When something happens that you didn't see coming, and you feel a little bit shocked or amazed, you're surprised! Like, if you win a game you weren't expecting to win.
👶 For kids: Feeling 'Wow!' because something unexpected happened.
More Examples
I was surprised by his sudden appearance.
They were surprised by the results.
How It's Used
"I was surprised to see him there."
"The committee was surprised by the results."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
take by surprise
To catch someone unaware.
"The rain took us by surprise."
From Middle English *surpris*, from Old French *surpris* (past participle of *surprendre* 'to surprise'), from *sur-* 'over, beyond' + *prendre* 'to take'.
Historically, the word has been used in a similar way to its present-day meaning, denoting an unexpected occurrence or emotion. It's a concept that has resonated across centuries.
Memory tip
Picture a party popping out of nowhere, causing a 'surprise' feeling.