adverb
surprisingly
In a way that is unexpected.
The crowded restaurant is surprisingly quiet during our lunch break.
Etymology
The underlying verb means taking unawares. Surprisingly marks an action or fact as contrary to what someone expected.
More examples
- These comfortable shoes are surprisingly affordable.
- He handles the sudden change surprisingly well.
- The repairs take surprisingly little time.
Forms
surprising adjective — Unexpected enough to cause wonder or astonishment.
surprise noun — A feeling caused by something unexpected.
Similar words
- unexpectedly
- Emphasizes a departure from expectations, without necessarily causing amazement.
- astonishingly
- Suggests a much stronger reaction of amazement or disbelief.