verwonderd

Verwonderd is a Dutch adjective meaning astonished, amazed, or surprised. It describes a state of strong surprise elicited by something unexpected, remarkable, or impressive. In English, it is typically translated as astonished or amazed. The term can modify people, animals, or, in some contexts, objects that evoke astonishment. It is commonly found in literary or formal prose, but remains in everyday use as well.

Etymology and related forms: Verwonderd derives from the noun wonder with the prefix ver-, a common Dutch pattern that yields a resultative or passive sense. The verb verwonderen means to astonish or to marvel. The adjective forms include verwonderd (past participle/adjective) and verwonderlijk (astonishing). The past tense of the verb is verwonderde; the perfect is ik heb me verwonderd, meaning I have marveled or I have been astonished.

Usage notes and examples: Verwonderd is typically used with over or door to indicate the cause or object of astonishment: verwonderd over het nieuws (astonished by the news) or verwonderd door de schoonheid (astonished by the beauty). Example: Het publiek was verwonderd over de wending in het verhaal. Translation: The audience was astonished at the twist in the story. In everyday speech, verwonderd conveys a sense of mild to strong surprise, while verwonderlijk is used more to describe something as astonishing or remarkable rather than the emotional state of a person.