Surprise vs. Shock

These verbs are synonymous but they have a subtle difference in the kind of emotions they evoke. Follow the lesson to find out more about their difference.

What is the difference between 'surprise' and 'shock'?

Both 'surprise' and 'shock' refer to the state of feeling amazement as a result of something unexpected. However, while 'surprise' can cause a positive or negative feeling, 'shock' is specifically associated with negative feelings. This lesson will further discuss the difference between these two verbs.

Positive vs. Negative Emotions

'Surprise' generally involves an unexpected event, action, or information that causes someone to feel a sudden sense of astonishment or mild amazement. It can carry a positive or negative connotation depending on the context and the event. 'Shock', on the other hand, is associated with a strong and intense emotional reaction caused by an unexpected, often distressing or disturbing event, information, or experience. It carries a more negative or distressing connotation, often involving a sense of disbelief or horror. Here are some examples:

I want to surprise my parents by visiting them on their anniversary.

His reaction to the news surprised me.

His reaction to the news shocked me.

The two verbs can be used interchangeably but 'shock' necessarily implies a negative feeling.

The sudden news of his passing shocked us all.

The unexpected turn of events in the movie shocked the audience into silence.

Comments

(0)
Loading Recaptcha...
Share on :

Recommended

Maintain vs. Preserve

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
These verbs are synonymous but they differ in terms of their point of emphasis. Follow the lesson to find out more about their difference.

Mix vs. Blend

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
Both verbs are concerned with making new materials by combining existing ones, but the are done in different ways. Follow the lesson for more.

Combine vs. Merge

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
Both verbs are concerned with bringing two things together but they are used in different contexts which we are going to discuss in this lesson.

Encourage vs. Inspire

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
These verbs are closely related but they differ in the kind of emotion of state they create in a person. This lesson will clarify their difference.

Achieve vs. Attain vs. Accomplish

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
All these verbs are concerned with reaching a goal, but they emphasize different aspects of reaching a goal. Follow the lesson to find out more about them.

Clean vs. Cleanse

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
These verbs are synonymous but the scope of their usage is different. Follow the lesson to find out about their difference.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app