Amazing vs. Amazed: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Amazing refers to something causing great surprise or wonder; Amazed describes the feeling of being filled with astonishment.
Key Differences
Amazing often describes objects, events, or experiences that inspire awe or wonder due to their extraordinary nature. Amazed, on the other hand, reflects the emotional state of a person experiencing surprise or awe. For instance, a breathtaking landscape can be amazing, while the viewer might feel amazed.
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Nov 20, 2023
In terms of usage, Amazing functions primarily as an adjective to modify nouns, indicating their exceptional quality. Amazed is also an adjective but focuses on the subject's reaction, describing their feeling towards something astonishing. An amazing performance leaves the audience amazed.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Grammatically, Amazing is the present participle of the verb 'amaze,' used adjectivally. Amazed is the past participle of the same verb, often used to describe a person's state of mind. For example, an amazing story might leave the reader feeling amazed.
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Nov 20, 2023
In speech and writing, Amazing is used to express approval or enthusiasm about something, whereas Amazed conveys a personal experience of surprise or wonder. An amazing discovery is different from being amazed by a discovery.
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Nov 20, 2023
The nuance between Amazing and Amazed also lies in their emotional intensity. Amazing is more about the external stimulus being extraordinary, while Amazed is about the internal, emotional response to something incredibly surprising or impressive.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective (describing something exceptional)
Adjective (describing the feeling of astonishment)
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Usage Context
Describes extraordinary things or experiences
Describes the emotional state of surprise or awe
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Example
"The amazing scenery captivated everyone."
"She was amazed by the scenery."
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Nov 20, 2023
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Amazing and Amazed Definitions
Amazing
Exceptionally good or pleasing
She prepared an amazing meal for the guests.
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Amazed
Astonished or greatly surprised
He stood amazed by the complexity of the puzzle.
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Amazing
Causing great surprise or wonder
The magician's amazing tricks baffled the crowd.
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Amazing
Extraordinary and impressive
The amazing skills of the gymnast left the audience spellbound.
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Amazed
Struck with admiration or awe
He was amazed at the athlete's perseverance.
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Amazing
Surprisingly impressive or notable
The amazing speed of the new computer impressed the tech enthusiasts.
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Amazed
Overwhelmed with wonder or awe
She was amazed by the beauty of the sunset.
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Amazed
Stunned with overwhelming feelings
We were amazed at the kindness of strangers.
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Amazed
Astonished or confounded with fear, surprise, or wonder; greatly surprised (often with ensuing adpositions e.g. at, with, or by).
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Oct 19, 2023
Amazed
Filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock;
An amazed audience gave the magician a standing ovation
I stood enthralled, astonished by the vastness and majesty of the cathedral
Astounded viewers wept at the pictures from the Oklahoma City bombing
Stood in stunned silence
Stunned scientists found not one but at least three viruses
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Amazing
Surprising greatly;
She does an amazing amount of work
The dog was capable of astonishing tricks
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Amazing
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
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Oct 19, 2023
Amazing
Remarkable and astonishing
The amazing resilience of the community inspired many.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "amazing" always positive?
Generally, yes. "Amazing" usually carries a positive connotation, indicating something impressive.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is "amazing" used for things or people?
"Amazing" can be used for both things and people to describe something extraordinary or impressive.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is "amazed" appropriate for academic writing?
It can be used, but more formal synonyms might be preferred in academic contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
What is a synonym for "amazed"?
"Astonished," "awestruck," and "flabbergasted" are synonyms.
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Nov 20, 2023
How do you use "amazing" in a sentence?
"The amazing view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking."
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How do you use "amazed" in a sentence?
"I was amazed at how quickly the children learned the song."
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "amazed" indicate a negative reaction?
While typically positive, "amazed" can sometimes reflect a negative surprise, depending on context.
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Nov 20, 2023
What is a synonym for "amazing"?
"Incredible," "astonishing," and "remarkable" are some synonyms.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is "amazed" a strong emotion?
Yes, it often implies a strong feeling of surprise or wonder.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "amazed" be used to describe objects?
No, "amazed" describes a person's feeling of astonishment, not objects.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are "amazing" and "amazed" interchangeable?
No, they have different uses; "amazing" describes something impressive, while "amazed" describes the feeling of surprise.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "amazing" be used in formal writing?
Yes, but it should be used judiciously to maintain formality.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "amazing" be used sarcastically?
Yes, like many adjectives, it can be used sarcastically in certain contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are there any idioms with "amazing"?
Phrases like "amazing feats" or "amazing grace" are commonly used, though not strictly idioms.
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Can "amazing" describe a personality?
Yes, it can describe someone with exceptional qualities.
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Is "amazed" used to describe temporary states?
Yes, it usually describes a temporary emotional response.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "amazing" have a neutral connotation?
Rarely. It usually implies something positive and extraordinary.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does "amazed" always imply a positive experience?
Mostly, but it can be used for overwhelming experiences that are not necessarily positive.
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Nov 20, 2023
What is the noun form of "amazed"?
"Amazement" also serves as the noun form for "amazed."
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Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.