astounding
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈstaʊndɪŋ/
KK: /əˈstaʊndɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing great surprise or wonder; remarkable.
Example
The magician's performance was truly astounding, leaving the audience in awe.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more astounding
Superlative: most astounding
Conversation
Did you see that magician last night?
Yeah, his tricks were absolutely astounding!
I couldn't believe my eyes during the final act.
Right? It was one of the most astounding performances I've ever witnessed!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
amazing
stunning
incredible
Antonyms
unimpressive
ordinary
mundane
verb
Definition
To greatly surprise or shock someone, often in a positive way.
Example
The magician's performance was astounding, leaving the audience in awe.
Tense Forms
Past: astounded
Past Participle: astounded
Conversation
Did you see that magician perform last night?
Yes! It was absolutely astounding how he pulled that rabbit out of nowhere.
I know, right? I was totally blown away by his tricks.
Root Explanation
Astounding is formed from "astound" (from Old French *estoundre*, meaning to stun or astonish) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "astounding" means the action of causing great surprise or wonder.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'stuns' you ('astound') and the '-ing' shows it's happening right now — that's why astounding means something that is currently causing great surprise.
Visually Confused Words
sounding
strouding
abounding
stoning
unsounding
soundingly
resounding
cosounding