flabbergasted
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈflæb.ər.ˌɡæs.tɪd//
KK: /ˈflæbərˌɡæstɪd/
adjective
Definition
Very surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
Example
She was flabbergasted when she won the lottery.
Conversation
I was completely flabbergasted by the news today!
Really? What happened?
They announced a surprise concert in our city next week!
No way! That's absolutely amazing!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
astonished
astounded
dumbfounded
Antonyms
unimpressed
bored
calm
verb
Definition
To be extremely surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
Example
She was flabbergasted when she won the lottery.
Tense Forms
Past: flabbergasted
Past Participle: flabbergasted
Conversation
Did you hear about the surprise party for Mark?
Yeah, I was totally flabbergasted when I found out!
I know, right? I can't believe they managed to keep it a secret.
Root Explanation
Flabbergasted is believed to originate from a combination of the dialectal English word 'flabber' (meaning to flap or to move about) and 'gasted' (from 'aghast', meaning struck with terror or amazement). The word describes a state of being so astonished that one is almost rendered speechless or flabbergasted.
Memory Tip
Imagine being so surprised that you feel like you're 'flapping' ('flabber') in shock, which helps you remember that 'flabbergasted' means to be utterly astonished.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.