Surprise vs. Surprised: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
Surprise is the sudden feeling of astonishment or shock, whereas Surprised is the past participle of surprise, describing the state of being affected by such a feeling.
Key Differences
Surprise is primarily a noun and refers to the emotion experienced due to an unforeseen or unexpected event. On the other hand, Surprised is an adjective and refers to the state of feeling surprise, representing a reaction to an unexpected situation.
The word Surprise can also act as a verb, meaning to cause someone to feel astonishment due to something unexpected. Surprised, being the past participle of surprise, refers to having experienced the action of being surprised by something unexpected.
The term Surprise can depict both the act of causing astonishment and the emotional reaction resulting from it. In contrast, Surprised focuses exclusively on the state of having experienced such an emotion due to an unexpected event or piece of information.
Surprise encompasses the aspects of unexpectedness and astonishment that can be elicited by a variety of situations. The term Surprised is indicative of an individual’s state of mind and emotional response after encountering something unforeseen.
The nature of Surprise is dual, as it can be pleasant or unpleasant, based on the context. Surprised does not inherently convey the quality of the surprise but indicates that the subject has undergone a sudden and unexpected experience.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun and Verb
Adjective
Focus
Emotion or the act of causing such emotion.
State of experiencing the emotion.
Usage
Describes both the action and the emotion itself.
Describes the state of being affected.
Representation
Can depict an event, action, or feeling.
Indicates an individual’s reaction.
Nature
Can be either pleasant or unpleasant.
Describes the experience of surprise.
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Surprise and Surprised Definitions
Surprise
A sudden and unexpected event or piece of information.
The announcement was a complete surprise to everyone.
Surprised
Showing the emotion caused by an unexpected event.
His surprised expression was priceless.
Surprise
A military attack without warning.
The troops launched a surprise attack at dawn.
Surprised
Feeling or showing surprise due to an unexpected event.
She looked surprised to see him.
Surprise
An unexpected gift or celebration.
We planned a surprise for his birthday.
Surprised
Taken unaware or startled by something.
I was surprised by the loud noise.
Surprise
To cause to feel wonder, astonishment, or amazement, as at something unanticipated
Thinking I was at home, she was surprised to see me in the office. We were surprised that he could recover so quickly.
Surprised
Experiencing a sudden feeling of astonishment.
He was surprised by her response.
Surprise
To encounter or discover suddenly or unexpectedly; take or catch unawares
She surprised him as he was reading her diary.
Surprised
Affected by surprise.
Everyone was surprised at the news.
Surprise
To attack or capture suddenly and without warning
Surprised the sentries in a predawn raid, wounding several.
Surprised
To cause to feel wonder, astonishment, or amazement, as at something unanticipated
Thinking I was at home, she was surprised to see me in the office. We were surprised that he could recover so quickly.
Surprise
To cause (someone) to do or say something unintended or to be in an unintended condition
"There passed a scene ... that surprised me into courage to come forward" (Fanny Burney).
Surprised
To encounter or discover suddenly or unexpectedly; take or catch unawares
She surprised him as he was reading her diary.
Surprise
To elicit or detect through surprise
"She occasionally surprised a look on Jemima's face" (Marcia Willett).
Surprised
To attack or capture suddenly and without warning
Surprised the sentries in a predawn raid, wounding several.
Surprise
The act of surprising or the condition of being surprised
Imagine my surprise on seeing you here.
Surprised
To cause (someone) to do or say something unintended or to be in an unintended condition
"There passed a scene ... that surprised me into courage to come forward" (Fanny Burney).
Surprise
Something, such as an unexpected encounter, event, or gift, that surprises.
Surprised
To elicit or detect through surprise
"She occasionally surprised a look on Jemima's face" (Marcia Willett).
Surprise
Something unexpected.
It was a surprise to find out I owed twice as much as I thought I did.
Surprised
The act of surprising or the condition of being surprised
Imagine my surprise on seeing you here.
Surprise
The feeling that something unexpected has happened.
Imagine my surprise on learning I owed twice as much as I thought I did.
Surprised
Something, such as an unexpected encounter, event, or gift, that surprises.
Surprise
(transitive) To cause (someone) to feel unusually alarmed or delighted by something unexpected.
It surprises me that I owe twice as much as I thought I did.
Surprised
Caused to feel surprise, amazement or wonder, or showing an emotion due to an unexpected event.
Surprise
(transitive) To do something to (a person) that they are not expecting, as a surprise.
He doesn’t know that I’m in the country – I thought I’d turn up at his house and surprise him.
Surprised
Simple past tense and past participle of surprise
Surprise
(intransitive) To undergo or witness something unexpected.
He doesn’t surprise easily.
Surprised
Taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment;
Surprised by her student's ingenuity
Surprised that he remembered my name
A surprised expression
Surprise
(intransitive) To cause surprise.
Surprise
(transitive) To attack unexpectedly.
Surprise
(transitive) To take unawares.
Surprise
The act of coming upon, or taking, unawares; the act of seizing unexpectedly; surprisal; as, the fort was taken by surprise.
Surprise
The state of being surprised, or taken unawares, by some act or event which could not reasonably be foreseen; emotion excited by what is sudden and strange; a suddenly excited feeling of wonder or astonishment.
Pure surprise and fearMade me to quit the house.
Surprise
Anything that causes such a state or emotion.
Surprise
A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no other contents.
Surprise
To come or fall suddenly and unexpectedly; to take unawares; to seize or capture by unexpected attack.
Fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.
The castle of Macduff I will surprise.
Who can speakThe mingled passions that surprised his heart?
Surprise
To strike with wonder, astonishment, or confusion, by something sudden, unexpected, or remarkable; to confound; as, his conduct surprised me.
I am surprised with an uncouth fear.
Up he starts,Discovered and surprised.
Surprise
To lead (one) to do suddenly and without forethought; to bring (one) into some unexpected state; - with into; as, to be surprised into an indiscretion; to be surprised into generosity.
Surprise
To hold possession of; to hold.
Not with me,That in my hands surprise the sovereignity.
Surprise
The astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
Surprise
A sudden unexpected event
Surprise
The act of surprising someone
Surprise
Cause to be surprised;
The news really surprised me
Surprise
Come upon or take unawares;
She surprised the couple
He surprised an interesting scene
Surprise
Attack by storm; attack suddenly
Surprise
The feeling caused by something unexpected.
Her arrival caused quite a surprise.
Surprise
To cause someone to feel astonishment.
His reaction really did surprise me.
FAQs
Is Surprise both a noun and a verb?
Yes, Surprise can be both a noun, representing an emotion or event, and a verb, representing the act of causing such an emotion.
Does Surprised depict an individual’s reaction?
Yes, Surprised indicates an individual’s reaction to an unexpected situation or information.
Is Surprised an adjective?
Yes, Surprised is typically used as an adjective describing the state of feeling surprise.
Does the term Surprise encompass the unexpectedness of an event?
Yes, Surprise inherently involves unexpectedness and the resulting emotional reaction.
Can Surprise also refer to an unexpected gift or celebration?
Yes, Surprise can refer to an unexpected gift, celebration, or event planned for someone.
Can you surprise someone with good news?
Absolutely, you can surprise someone with any unexpected news, good or bad.
Can Surprise be pleasant or unpleasant?
Yes, a Surprise can be either pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the context.
Does Surprised focus on the experienced emotion?
Yes, Surprised focuses on the individual’s state of having experienced surprise.
Can Surprised refer to being taken unaware?
Yes, Surprised can refer to being taken unaware or startled by an unexpected event or piece of information.
Can someone look surprised?
Yes, individuals often show surprised expressions when encountering unexpected situations.
Can Surprised imply being startled?
Yes, being Surprised can often imply being startled or taken aback by something unexpected.
Can you use Surprise to mean astonish?
Yes, to Surprise can mean to cause someone to feel astonishment due to something unexpected.
Can Surprise refer to the action of causing the emotion of surprise?
Yes, Surprise can refer to both the action of causing the emotion and the emotion itself.
Can a surprise be an unexpected military attack?
Yes, the term Surprise can refer to a sudden, unexpected military attack without warning.
Is being Surprised a reaction to something unforeseen?
Yes, being Surprised is typically a reaction to encountering something unforeseen or unexpected.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
