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

Practice with vocabulary shocked

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sudden resignation of the CEO left everyone in the department ___________.
  2. Investors were __________ by the unexpected market crash, leading to a significant sell-off.
  3. Despite the detailed safety precautions, the accident was entirely __________ and could not have been foreseen.
  4. The committee members expressed their deep __________ for his long-standing contributions to the organization.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. How would you describe the feeling of employees upon learning about the company's immediate bankruptcy? a) thrilled b) shocked c) indifferent d) amused
  2. Which of the following emotions might someone experience after witnessing a major car accident? a) terrified b) surprised c) shocked d) calm e) fascinated
  3. The scientific community was _______ by the groundbreaking discovery, which challenged long-held paradigms. a) intrigued b) surprised c) shocked d) dismissive e) amused
  4. The speaker's eloquent presentation left the audience feeling deeply _______. a) bored b) enlightened c) bewildered d) exhausted
  5. Despite the sudden change in plans, she remained incredibly _______ and adapted quickly. a) rigid b) flexible c) hesitant d) startled

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The news about the company's unexpected merger caused great surprise among its employees. (Use "shocked")
  2. Her sudden and disrespectful outburst left everyone in the meeting feeling deeply disturbed and taken aback. (Use "shocked")
  3. He was utterly amazed by the intricate details of the ancient architecture. (Do not use "shocked", use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. shocked
  2. shocked
  3. unpredictable
  4. gratitude

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) shocked
  2. a) terrified, b) surprised, c) shocked
  3. a) intrigued, b) surprised, c) shocked
  4. b) enlightened
  5. b) flexible

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's employees were shocked by the unexpected merger.
  2. Everyone in the meeting was shocked by her sudden and disrespectful outburst.
  3. He was utterly astonished by the intricate details of the ancient architecture.

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