dumbfounded
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈdʌmˌfaʊndɪd//
KK: /dʌmˈfaʊndɪd/
adjective
Definition
Feeling very surprised and unable to speak because of shock.
Example
She was dumbfounded when she heard the unexpected news.
Conversation
Did you see that surprise party they threw for Jason?
I did! I was completely dumbfounded when I walked in.
Right? I couldn't believe how well they kept it a secret.
Me too! It’s amazing what people can plan without you knowing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
astonished
astounded
flabbergasted
Antonyms
unimpressed
bored
unfazed
verb
Definition
To be very surprised or shocked, often to the point of being unable to respond or think clearly.
Example
She was dumbfounded when she heard the unexpected news.
Tense Forms
Past: dumbfounded
Past Participle: dumbfounded
Conversation
When I heard the news, I was completely dumbfounded.
I know, right? It was such a shock!
I honestly couldn't believe it at first.
Root Explanation
Dumbfounded → It is formed from "dumb" (from Old English "dumb", meaning unable to speak) and "founded" (from the past participle of "found", meaning to establish or create). The word "dumbfounded" means to be so shocked or surprised that one is unable to speak, as if rendered speechless by astonishment.
Memory Tip
Think of being so shocked that you can't speak ('dumb') because something has 'established' a strong reaction in you ('founded').
Visually Confused Words
dumfounder
dumfound
unmounded
unfounded
unbounded