Astounded is a verb that means highly surprised or amazed. The pronunciation of this word is /əˈstaʊndɪd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "a" is pronounced as schwa, while "st" is pronounced with a consonant cluster /st/. The second syllable contains the long vowel sound /aʊ/. The third syllable "n" is not stressed and pronounced as a schwa. The final syllable "ded" is pronounced with the voiced dental fricative /ð/ followed by the dental /d/. Despite its tricky spelling, astounded is a common word in daily usage.
Astounded is an adjective that refers to a feeling of being completely amazed, shocked, or astonished by something. It is usually used to describe a state of overwhelming surprise or disbelief that is brought about by an unexpected or extraordinary occurrence.
When someone is astounded, they are taken aback, often unable to comprehend or process what they are witnessing or experiencing. It implies a profound sense of astonishment that may leave the individual momentarily speechless or in a state of disbelief.
The degree of amazement associated with astonishment can vary, from mild surprise to utter stupefaction. The term is often used in situations where the scale or magnitude of an event or revelation is beyond what one would typically expect or anticipate.
Astounded can be used to describe both positive and negative emotions, depending on the context. It may express immense admiration and wonder in response to an impressive achievement, an extraordinary discovery, or an act of kindness. Conversely, it can also convey shock, disbelief, or consternation when confronted with something unexpected or shocking.
In summary, astounded is an adjective that signifies a state of being utterly amazed or shocked, usually resulting from an unexpected or exceptional event. It encompasses a wide range of emotions, from awe and admiration to confusion or bewilderment.
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The word "astounded" is derived from the Old English word "astunian", which means "to stun" or "to astonish". This word can be further traced back to the Old Norse word "astonad", which has the same meaning. The prefix "a-" signifies "intensive" or "completely", while "stun" is believed to be related to the Old English word "stynan", meaning "to resound" or "to groan". Therefore, the etymology suggests that "astounded" originally referred to a state of being completely stunned or astonished.