surprise
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /səˈpraɪz/
KK: /sərˈpraɪz/
noun
Definition
An unexpected event or gift that causes someone to feel astonished or amazed.
Example
The surprise party for her birthday was a huge success.
Conversation
Did you hear about the party this weekend?
Yeah, I can't believe it's a surprise party for Mark!
I know, it's going to be so much fun!
I can't wait to see his reaction — he loves a good surprise.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shock
jolt
astonishment
Antonyms
expectation
predictability
familiarity
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel astonished or amazed by something unexpected.
Example
The sudden loud noise surprised everyone in the room.
Tense Forms
Past: surprised
Past Participle: surprised
Conversation
I didn't expect to see you here today!
Yeah, I decided to surprise you with a visit.
Well, you definitely caught me off guard!
Root Explanation
Surprise → It is formed from the prefix "sur-" (meaning over or above) and the root "prendre" (meaning to take). The word originally described the act of taking someone by surprise or catching them off guard, as if taking them from above.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'taken' ('prendre') by something that comes 'from above' ('sur-') unexpectedly — that’s why surprise means an unexpected event.
Visually Confused Words
resurprise
supprise
uprise
unsurprised
superpraise
presurprise
superwise
supervise