Skip to main content

surprisinglyIn a way that causes surprise; unexpectedly or to an unexpected degree.

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: In a way that causes surprise; unexpectedly or to an unexpected degree.

Pronunciation (IPA): /sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/

Example Sentences

  • Surprisingly, my cat learned to open doors by watching YouTube videos.
  • The homework was surprisingly manageable this week.
  • Surprisingly, the pizza delivery guy turned out to be my high school teacher.

surprisingly

ADVERB

[/sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/]

In a way that causes surprise; unexpectedly or to an unexpected degree.

In a way that causes surprise; unexpectedly or to an unexpected degree.
💡 Concept

In a way that causes surprise; unexpectedly or to an unexpected degree.

Surprisingly, you can always rely on him to supply magic!
🎵 Rhyme

Surprisingly, you can always rely on him to supply magic!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/

🌳Etymology

Prefixsur--
Rootprise
Suffix--ingly

Origin

From Old French 'surprendre' meaning 'to overtake or seize unexpectedly,' which combines 'sur-' (over) and 'prendre' (to take). The English word developed through the noun 'surprise' plus the adverb-forming suffix '-ly.'

Breakdown

sur- (over/upon) + prise (taken, from French 'prendre') + -ing (present participle) + -ly (adverb suffix)

🎵Rhyme

increasinglydecreasinglypleasingly

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Surprisingly, my cat learned to open doors by watching YouTube videos.

The homework was surprisingly manageable this week.

😄 Fun example

Surprisingly, the pizza delivery guy turned out to be my high school teacher.

The weather was surprisingly warm for December.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

unexpectedlyremarkablyastonishinglyamazinglystartlingly

Antonyms

predictablyexpectedly

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.