What is shocked? Pronunciation and usage in English

shocked means . Learn how to pronounce and use shocked through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of shocked

shockedadjective

/ʃɒkt/
Definition & pronunciation of shocked

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "shocked." It's a tricky one because it has a couple of different pronunciations depending on whether it's used as an adjective or a verb.

1. As an Adjective (meaning surprised):

This is the most common pronunciation. It's pronounced:

  • ˈʃɒkɪd

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈʃɒk: The "sh" sound like in "ship". The "o" is a short "o" sound, like in "top."
  • ɪd: The "i" is a short "i" sound, like in "bit." The "d" is just a regular "d" sound.

So, it sounds roughly like: "SHOCK-id" (Emphasize the first syllable - "SHOCK").

2. As a Verb (meaning to surprise greatly):

This pronunciation is less common in everyday speech, but it's still important to know. It’s pronounced:

  • ʃɒk

This is a much shorter, more clipped pronunciation. It’s pronounced almost like “shock” without the “ed.”

So, it sounds roughly like: "SHOCK"

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • What context are you encountering the word "shocked" in? (e.g., a book, a conversation, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word shocked in English

Let's break down how to use the word "shocked" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that expresses a strong feeling of surprise and disbelief. Here's a breakdown:

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Core Meaning: "Shocked" means deeply surprised and often distressed or dismayed by something unexpected or upsetting. It implies a feeling of being taken aback.
  • Common Phrases:
    • "I was shocked to hear the news." (Expressing surprise at something bad.)
    • "He was shocked by the magnitude of the damage." (Expressing surprise at the scale of something.)
    • "She was shocked speechless." (Meaning she couldn't find words to express her surprise.)

2. Forms of the Word:

  • Shocked: The past participle and past tense form (used after “had”). “I had been shocked by his behavior.”
  • Shocking: An adjective – describing something that causes shock. “That was a shocking revelation!”
  • Shock: (Noun) The feeling of shock itself. “He felt a wave of shock.”

3. Levels of Shock & Nuances:

The word "shocked" can carry slightly different weight depending on the context:

  • Mildly Shocked (Surprised): This is a lighter level of surprise. You’re taken aback, but it’s not necessarily upsetting.
    • Example: "I was shocked to see you here!" (Friendly surprise)
  • Seriously Shocked (Distressed): This indicates a more intense feeling – usually combined with sadness, fear, or anger.
    • Example: “I was shocked and saddened to learn about her illness.”

4. How to Incorporate It into Sentences:

  • Using “I was shocked…”: This is a very common and direct way to express your reaction.
    • “I was shocked when I found out about the company layoffs.”
  • Using “He/She/They were shocked…”: Focuses on the person's reaction.
    • “She was shocked by the testimony.”
  • Describing the cause of the shock: Be specific about what caused the feeling.
    • "I was shocked to see the state of the building after the fire."
  • Adding emotional detail: Don’t just say “I was shocked.” Describe how you felt.
    • “I was shocked and speechless. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”
    • “I was shocked and furious.”

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Astonished: More formal and implies a strong sense of wonder alongside surprise.
  • Startled: Suggests being suddenly and unexpectedly surprised, often causing a brief jump.
  • Amazed: Implies a feeling of wonder and delight mixed with surprise.
  • Dismayed: Suggests disappointment and distress.
  • Stunned: Similar to shocked, but often implies a temporary loss of ability to react.

Example Sentences to Practice:

  • "I was shocked to win the lottery!"
  • "The witness’s testimony was shocking to the jury."
  • "She was shocked by the news of his divorce."
  • “He was shocked at the lack of effort.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "shocked" in? (e.g., a formal letter, a casual conversation, a story you're writing?)
  • What are you trying to convey with the word? (e.g., surprise, sadness, anger, disbelief?)

Synonyms for the word shocked

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