causing a feeling of wonder because it is not what was expected.
It was surprising how quickly the snow melted in the morning sun.
The movie had a surprising twist at the end that made everyone gasp.
✦ Present participle of the verb “surprise,” first recorded in the late 17th century as an adjective meaning “unexpected.”
in a way that causes surprise; unexpectedly
Surprisingly, the usually crowded museum was almost empty on Saturday morning.
Everyone thought the storm would cancel the match, but surprisingly it went ahead as planned.
✦ Derived from the adjective “surprising” + adverbial suffix “-ly,” first recorded in the early 1700s.
to a greater degree than expected; unusually
The shy student spoke surprisingly confidently during the debate.
This budget hotel room is surprisingly spacious and bright.
to cause someone to feel sudden wonder or disbelief because something is not expected
The sudden rainstorm surprised the hikers on the trail.
Her excellent memory always surprises her classmates.
present participle of surprise: doing something that causes someone to feel unexpected wonder or shock.
The magician is surprising the audience with a new trick.
She kept surprising her friends with little gifts.
✦ From Middle French “surprendre” through Old French “surprendre,” meaning “to overtake or catch unaware,” arriving in English in the 14th century; the –ing form appears by the 16th century.
feeling or showing sudden wonder because something unexpected has happened
The children looked surprised when the magician pulled a rabbit from his hat.
Maria was surprised to see snow falling in April.
✦ Formed from the past participle of the verb “surprise,” first used as an adjective in the 17th century.
simple past tense and past participle form of the verb “surprise”
The loud bang surprised the sleeping cat.
His sudden visit surprised his parents.
✦ From Old French “surprendre” meaning “to overtake or seize,” entering Middle English as “surprisen.”
