Meaning & Definition of word "Surprisingly"

Surprisingly

/sərˈpraɪ.zɪŋ.li/

adverb:

  • 1. In a way that causes surprise; unexpected or astonishing.
    • Example: Surprisingly, the quiet student won the debate competition.
  • 2. Used to indicate that something is not what one would expect.
    • Example: The weather was surprisingly warm for a November day.
  • 3. In a manner that is surprising.
    • Example: She surprisingly finished the marathon in under four hours.
  • 4. In a way that evokes surprise.
    • Example: The movie was surprisingly engaging, despite its low budget.

Etymology

From surprise + -ingly, with 'surprise' coming from the Latin 'surprendere', meaning 'to overtake or seize'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

surprisingly enough:

Used to indicate that something is unexpected but true.

to one's surprise:

Indicating astonishment at an outcome.

as surprising as it may be:

Acknowledging the unexpected nature of a situation.

Related Words

surprise:

An unexpected event or situation.

astonish:

To fill with sudden wonder or amazement.

unexpected:

Not anticipated or foreseen.

Slang Meanings of surprisingly

Meaning: No way!

Example Sentence: He actually passed the test? No way!

Meaning: Shocked

Example Sentence: I was totally shocked when I heard the news.