ASTONISHMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Astonishment refers to a state of extreme surprise, wonder, or amazement that arises from encountering something unexpected, unusual, or extraordinary. It is a profound sense of astonishment that elicits a range of reactions, including a temporary suspension of normal cognitive processes as one attempts to comprehend the perceived event or scenario. The experience of astonishment often stems from encountering something that surpasses one's current expectations or comprehension.
When an individual is confronted with astonishment, it can be seen in their widened eyes, dropped jaw, or hesitation in speech. Astonishment often sparks a cognitive and emotional response, as the mind attempts to grapple with what it has witnessed. It may bring about an intense surge of marvel and bewilderment, leaving the individual momentarily bewildered or speechless.
The intensity of one's astonishment can vary depending on the individual's previous knowledge, beliefs, and experiences. It may arise from witnessing impressive feats, remarkable achievements, prodigious skills, or surprising events. Astonishment can also occur when observing remarkable examples of nature's beauty, encountering unexpected kindness, or witnessing extraordinary acts of human resilience.
In literature and storytelling, astonishment plays a significant role in enhancing narrative impact. It can serve as a literary device to captivate readers or listeners by presenting unexpected twists, awe-inspiring descriptions, or shocking revelations. Moreover, while astonishment often arises from the extraordinary, it is a fundamental human response that adds flavor to our lives, expanding our understanding, and reminding us of the marvels that exist beyond our familiar boundaries.
Top Common Misspellings for ASTONISHMENT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ASTONISHMENT
Etymology of ASTONISHMENT
The word "astonishment" derives from the Latin word "astonĕre", which means "to thunder, stun, or amaze". This Latin word is a compound of "ad-" (meaning "to") and "tonare" (meaning "to thunder"). Over time, the Latin word "astonĕre" evolved into the Old French word "estoner", which carried the meaning of "awe" or "overwhelm". Eventually, the word made its way into Middle English as "astonyen" and later transformed into "astonish" in modern English. The noun form of "astonish", which is "astonishment", came into use during the late 16th century.
Similar spelling words for ASTONISHMENT
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