Meaning & Definition
adverb
In a way that causes surprise; unexpected or astonishing.
Surprisingly, the quiet student won the debate competition.
Used to indicate that something is not what one would expect.
The weather was surprisingly warm for a November day.
In a manner that is surprising.
She surprisingly finished the marathon in under four hours.
In a way that evokes surprise.
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.
Slang Meanings
No way!
He actually passed the test? No way!
Shocked
I was totally shocked when I heard the news.