What Is Surprise? Definition And Usage Of This Term
WHAT IS SURPRISE – In this topic, we will first know the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.
Definition
The Oxford Dictionary defines the term as the following:
- an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing
- a feeling of mild astonishment or shock caused by something unexpected.
- denoting something made, done, or happening unexpectedly.
- denoting a class of complex methods of change-ringing.
- (of something unexpected) cause (someone) to feel mild astonishment or shock
- capture, attack, or discover suddenly and unexpectedly; catch unawares.
On the other hand, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this term as the following:
- an attack made without warning
- a taking unawares
- something that surprises
- the feeling caused by something unexpected or unusual
- to detect or elicit by a taking unawares
- to strike with wonder or amazement especially because unexpected
Synonyms
Here are some of the following synonyms of this term:
- shock
- bolt from/out of the blue
- thunderbolt
- bombshell
- revelation
- source of amazement
- rude awakening
- eye-opener
- astonish
- amaze
- nonplus
- startle
- astound
- stun
- flabbergast
Etymology
It is a late Middle English term which is from the Old French term surprendre, which is from medieval Latin superprehendere or ‘seize’.
Examples
Here are some examples of the usage of this term:
- It shouldn’t be any surprise, since that was what suffered when he had been troubled in the past.
- And now, if these people think they are safe from me, are in for the surprise of their now-short lives!
- The scene flashed through her mind again: The man coming at him, the quick stab, the stunned look of surprise, and then Alex sinking to the floor.
- They did not smile nor did they frown, or show either fear or surprise or curiosity or friendliness.
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