astonishing
UK: əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ | US: əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ
adj. causing great surprise or amazement
adj. extremely impressive or remarkable
The word "astonishing" derives from the verb "astonish," which entered Middle English from Old French estoner (to stun or daze), itself from Vulgar Latin extonare (to strike with thunder). The root tonare (to thunder) is shared with words like "thunder," reflecting the idea of being "thunderstruck" by surprise. The suffix -ing turns the verb into an adjective, emphasizing the ongoing effect of amazement.
The magician's trick was truly astonishing.
She made an astonishing recovery after the surgery.
The view from the mountaintop was astonishingly beautiful.
His knowledge of ancient history is astonishing.
The team achieved an astonishing victory against all odds.