WordGarden.iounsurprised
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnsəprˈaɪzd/
US
Meanings
Adjective
not feeling surprise because something was expected
Beyond the definition
To be unsurprised means you were not shocked or startled by something. You expected it, or it felt normal enough that it did not stand out. Imagine a cat knocking over a vase; if you've lived with that cat for years, you might be unsurprised when it happens again. The word often points to something predictable or familiar. You might be unsurprised by rain in Seattle, but very surprised to see snow.
Think of it as the opposite of "astonished" or "amazed." Someone who is unsurprised usually does not react strongly; they simply take in what happened and move on. A seasoned detective might be unsurprised by a new piece of evidence in a case, while an innocent bystander would likely be shocked.
The word "unsurprised" describes a state of not being astonished or taken aback by something. It often suggests expectation, familiarity, or a calm sense that this was always likely to happen. Think of a seasoned traveler returning home; they might be unsurprised by the long lines at customs because they have seen them many times before.
"Unsurprised" isn't necessarily negative. It can simply indicate realism or experience. A scientist who observes an expected result in an experiment would likely be unsurprised, not disappointed. However, it can also carry a subtle tone of cynicism or world-weariness if used to describe something that should evoke surprise. For example, being unsurprised by someone's dishonesty might suggest you have low expectations for them.
The context is key. A poker player with a "poker face" aims to appear unsurprised, regardless of their hand, to avoid giving away information. Conversely, if someone reacts with deliberate nonchalance when receiving good news, being unsurprised could be seen as dismissive or ungrateful.
So, while "surprised" is a burst of reaction, "unsurprised" is the quiet acceptance of what was expected, or at least what felt completely possible. It is a useful word for showing not just what happened, but also how someone saw it.
Examples
- 1
Everyday delays
She looked unsurprised when the train was late again.
- 2
Personal news
His friends were unsurprised by the news that he had quit his job.
- 3
Sports result
I was unsurprised that the team lost after playing so badly last week.
- 4
Business news
After months of rumors, investors seemed almost unsurprised to hear about the merger.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unsurprisedadjective