amazement

Everyday

Amazement is the feeling of being very surprised because something is wonderful or hard to believe. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories to describe reactions: «to her amazement», «in amazement», «stared in amazement». It tells the reader that something surprising has happened. Phrases: «in amazement», «to my amazement», «a look of amazement».

Examples

• We watched in amazement as the rocket took off. tree →
• To my amazement, my little brother cleaned his room. tree →
• She stared at the giant cake in amazement. tree →
• His face was full of amazement. tree →
• To everyone's amazement, the shy girl sang a solo. tree →
• The crowd gasped in amazement. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «an amazement», no plural. Related: amaze (verb), amazed, amazing (adjectives), amazingly (adverb). «To my amazement» goes at the start of a sentence.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means something so terrible that people stare in horror at it. God says Jerusalem will become such a sight among the nations.

Interpretation. The prophet explains that this shock would follow the people's sins, as a warning of consequences.

Examples

• Moreover I will make thee an amazement and a reproach, among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by. (Prophets EZK.5.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «an amazement», no plural. Related: amaze (verb), amazed, amazing (adjectives), amazingly (adverb). «To my amazement» goes at the start of a sentence.