Surprised Meaning

UK /səˈpraɪzd/
US /səˈpraɪzd/
Word Definition
surprised meaning

Surprised Definition & Usage

adjective

Feeling or showing surprise, shock, or astonishment due to an unexpected event.

Examples

  • "She was surprised by the sudden announcement of the concert."
  • "He looked surprised when he won the prize."
  • "I was surprised to see them arrive early."
  • "The children were surprised to find gifts under the tree."
  • "It was a surprise to me that he had already finished the project."
verb (past tense)

To cause someone to feel surprised or astonished.

Examples

  • "The news of his promotion surprised everyone at the office."
  • "Her sudden departure surprised me."
  • "The magician’s tricks surprised the audience."
  • "The unexpected twist in the movie really surprised him."
  • "It surprised me that she knew so much about the topic."

Cultural Context

The word 'surprised' has been used in the English language since the 14th century. It stems from Middle English 'surprisen', which was influenced by Old French 'surprendre', meaning 'to take unawares.' It can describe a wide range of emotional responses to unexpected events, from mild astonishment to shock.

The Unexpected Guest

Story

The Unexpected Guest

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when Sarah, curled up with a book in the living room, heard a knock at the door. She opened it to find an old friend, Mike, standing on the doorstep. 'Mike!' she exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise. It had been years since they'd last spoken, and Sarah was taken completely by surprise. 'I didn’t expect to see you today!' she said, smiling. Mike grinned back. 'I figured I'd show up and surprise you.' As they sat down and caught up, Sarah couldn’t help but think how the surprise felt like a gift. Just when life seemed predictable, Mike’s visit had added a twist. They reminisced about their school days, each story more surprising than the last. Sarah had thought her life was full of surprises, but this unexpected encounter made her realize how much more she had yet to discover. Later that evening, Sarah received a phone call from her cousin. 'You won’t believe it,' she said, 'I’m pregnant!' Again, Sarah was surprised, this time in a completely different way. The surprise was not just about the news, but about how life could continually take unexpected turns, even when you thought you'd figured it all out. The day had taught Sarah that sometimes, surprises were not just about big events, but about finding joy in the unexpected moments that life brings. Whether it was a long-lost friend or a sudden announcement, each surprise added a new layer to her understanding of the world. As Sarah sat on the couch, reflecting on the day, she realized how much she appreciated the surprises life had to offer. She smiled, feeling grateful for the shock of happiness that had come her way.

The Unexpected Guest