surprised
Surprised (adj) means feeling or showing astonishment at something unexpected. Example: “She looked surprised when he walked in.”
How to Use Surprised
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFeeling astonishment because of something unexpected.
Word Forms
more surprised comparative, most surprised superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She looked _____ when he walked in.
Related Words
Rhymes for surprised
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “surprised” mean?
The word “surprised” means feeling or showing astonishment at something unexpected. In plain terms, feeling astonishment because of something unexpected.
How do you pronounce “surprised”?
“Surprised” is pronounced suh-PRYZD (/sɚˈpɹaɪzd/ in IPA).
How do you use “surprised” in a sentence?
Here is “surprised” used in a sentence: “She looked surprised when he walked in.”
What part of speech is “surprised”?
“Surprised” is an adjective.
Is “surprised” a common word?
“Surprised” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between surprised and shocked?
Both are reactions to the unexpected, but they differ in intensity and tone. Surprised is milder and can be pleasant or unpleasant, so a surprise party is welcome. Shocked is stronger and usually negative, suggesting distress or disbelief at something upsetting. You might be pleasantly surprised, but rarely pleasantly shocked.
Is being surprised a good or bad thing?
Neither by itself; surprise is a neutral reaction to the unexpected that can go either way. A surprise gift or good news brings pleasant surprise, while bad news brings unpleasant surprise. The feeling simply signals that something did not match what you expected, and the context decides whether it is welcome.
What is the difference between surprised and amazed?
Surprised means reacting to something unexpected, whether good or bad. Amazed is warmer and stronger, carrying wonder and admiration, so you are amazed by something impressive or astonishing. You can be surprised by bad news, but amazed usually responds to something remarkable in a positive way.