French word

étonnant

Pronunciation

IPA/etonɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivesurprising

Example

Ton résultat est étonnant.

Your result is surprising.

Illustration for étonnant (surprising)

More examples

C'est étonnant comme il a changé.

It's astonishing how he has changed.

Core concept

A surprising event that stands out and invites a closer look.

Common phrases

  • c'est étonnant

    It's astonishing

  • très étonnant

    very astonishing

  • quelque chose d'étonnant

    something astonishing

Similar words

surprenant: Unexpected in a way that draws attention or causes surprise.
inattendu: Happening without being anticipated.
incroyable: Hard to believe and extremely surprising.
stupéfiant: Causing an exceptionally strong feeling of surprise.

Definition in French

Qui surprend par son caractère inattendu, suscitant étonnement ou curiosité.

Word origin

Étonnant derives from étonner with the adjective-forming ending -ant; étonner developed from Old French estoner and Latin extonare, 'to thunder'.

Usage tips

  • In Il est étonnant que..., standard French normally uses the subjunctive, as in Il est étonnant qu'elle soit déjà là.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word