surprise
|sur-prise|
B1
🇺🇸
/sərˈpraɪz/
🇬🇧
/səˈpraɪz/
unexpected astonishment
Etymology
Etymology Information
'surprise' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'surprendre,' where 'sur-' meant 'over' and 'prendre' meant 'to take.'
Historical Evolution
'surprendre' transformed into the Middle English word 'surprisen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'surprise.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to take over or capture,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'astonishment or unexpected event.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing.
The party was a complete surprise.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39