as ‧ ton ‧ ish ‧ ing /əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ $ əˈstɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
so surprising that it is difficult to believe SYN amazing :
an astonishing decision
their astonishing success
—astonishingly adverb :
an astonishingly good voice
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ surprising making you feel surprised:
It’s surprising how quickly you get used to it.
|
We got some very surprising results.
▪ astonishing/astounding very surprising. Astounding sounds a little more formal and a little stronger than astonishing :
The results of the tests were astounding.
|
Things are changing at an astonishing speed.
▪ extraordinary very unusual and surprising:
It is extraordinary that such a young boy should be so good at maths.
▪ amazing very surprising – used especially about good or impressive things:
an amazing achievement
|
It’s amazing what you can do when you really try.
▪ staggering very surprising, especially by being so large:
The project cost a staggering $8 million.
▪ unbelievable ( also incredible ) so surprising that you can hardly believe it:
It is unbelievable that she is only the same age as me.
|
The incredible thing is that he thinks he is ugly.