sorprese

Sorprese is the plural form of the Italian noun sorpresa, which denotes an act or moment of surprise as well as something that causes astonishment. It can refer to an emotional reaction or to an event that is unexpected. The word is commonly used in everyday speech and in formal writing to describe both pleasant and startling occurrences.

Etymology and grammar: The noun sorpresa derives from the verb sorprendere, meaning to surprise or catch unawares. Sorpresa is feminine; its plural form is sorprese. The adjective form is sorprendente, meaning surprising.

Usage and contexts: Sorprese appear in many domains. In social life, people organize sorprese for birthdays or achievements. In news and sports, unexpected results may be described as sorprese, especially when they defy expectations. In literature and cinema, a sorpresa, or narrativa sorpresa, is a device to shift the audience's expectations through plot twists or reversals. The plural sorprese can also be used figuratively to refer to ongoing unforeseen developments.