How Do You Spell Surprise Correctly?

The spelling of certain words can be confusing. For example, how do you spell surprise correctly? Many skills are required for good spelling. This necessitates a knowledge of the sounds included in the written words. 

It is sometimes required to learn a large number of spelling rules while also remembering all of the exceptions to those rules. Not to mention when we have to choose the correct term from a list of similar-sounding words. This is why we would compare and contrast “surprise” and “suprise” in this article.

The word “surprise” refers to being truly surprised by an unexpected event or scenario. We also define it as a pleasant or bad state of emotion, depending on the condition that causes it. “Surprise” is often misspelled as “suprise.”

Is it “Suprise” or “Surprise”?

The right spelling of the word is “surprise.” “ Surprize” was formerly another spelling option, but it’s now rarely used. “Suprise” is not an acceptable spelling for the word.

Surprise has only one widely accepted spelling: two “r” and two “s” in total. 

It’s easy to misspell the word by omitting the first r in surprise because we mispronounce the first r, suh-prize, leading you to believe there is no r at all. 

Grammarly captured this with examples

Correct: Sylvia surprised us when she came home for the holidays.

Incorrect: He came home to find an unpleasant suprise —his dog had chewed up all of his shoes.

Correct: I’m throwing my sister a big surprise party for her birthday.

Incorrect: It’s not a suprise if you knew it was going to happen.

The Origin Of The Word “Surprise”

“Surprise” is one of the five most-used English words that end in “prise” is. Other words on the list are “Apprise,” “comprise,” “enterprise,” and “reprise”. The suffix “prise” is derived from the French word “prise,” which meaning “taken.” The Latin word “prehensus” inspired this French word.

As a result, words that end in “prise” are associated with apprehension and comprehension. These are terms that originated directly from Latin into English, with no influence from French.

Surprisingly, the word “sur” comes from French and means “above” or “beyond.” When someone is astonished, they are “surpassed” by something unexpected. The word “surprise” was first used in English to describe a surprise attack or ambush by a troop of soldiers.

“Surprise” came to have a more positive connotation over time. As a result, we now identify it with something we would like, such as an unexpected birthday present. It’s interesting to note that “surprise” and “pleasant” are the most frequently used words in people’s everyday lexicon.

Historical Events Connoting The Word “Surprise”

• 12th century, from Old French “sorprendre,” “surprise” meant “to reach, take, invade.” Also, from Latin, “prendre” meant “to seize, to take.”
• 13th century, from Old French “surprise,” surprise meant “to take by surprise.”
• 14th century, from Old French “surprize,” surprise meant “unexpected attack or capture.”
• In 1590, it meant “something unexpected” appeared.
• In 1600, it referred to the “sensation of astonishment caused by something unexpected” or when it appeared.
• In 1650, “to strike with astonishment” appeared.
• In 1690, “to take by surprise” appeared.
• In 1708, the “extravagant dish” appeared.

The Various Definition Of The Word “Surprise”

Surprise can be used as a noun, a verb, or as a geographical location.

Surprise As A Noun

1. An unexpected attack that catches people off guard
2. Anything surprising or unique that makes you feel surprised.

Surprise A Verb

1. To suddenly attack
2. To take unawares
3. To cause astonishment.
4. To strike with wonder

Surprise As A Geographical Location

1. Surprise, Arizona.
2. Surprise, Indiana.
3. Surprise, Nebraska.
4. Surprise, New York.
5. Surprise Station, California.

Another Word For Surprise

Some frequent words that can be used interchangeably with surprise include amaze, astonish, flabbergast, and astound. Although all of these phrases indicate “to impress forcefully by unexpectedness,” the emphasis of surprise is on producing an effect through being unexpected rather than necessarily being unusual or novel.

Other Synonyms For “Surprise” Include

• amazed
• astonished
• astounded
• awed
• awestruck.
• dumbfounded.

How Do You Use The Word “Surprise”?

Knowing the definition of the term “surprise” is the first step in understanding its most popular use. All of the meanings of “surprise” are connected to the act of surprising someone or oneself. Here are a few examples.

1. To express surprise as a result of a certain event.
2. To describe someone’s surprised expression.
3. To describe the act of surprising someone with a present.

Other Words From Surprise

1. Surpriser: a person who surprises
2. Surprised: the adjective form of “surprise”, the feeling that you get when something unexpected happens.
3. Surprising: causing wonder or astonishment

Example Of The Use Of The Word Surprise

1. I was astonished to find her there, and I was too surprised to say anything.
2. I was surprised to find them at home.
3. It was surprising to encounter my old acquaintance. 
4. He had prepared a wonderful surprise for his wife.
5. The birthday girl was completely surprised by the festivities.
6. What a wonderful surprise to see you here.
7. These screaming children were so excited when Iron Man made a surprise appearance at a birthday party.
8. What can you do if you’re on the receiving end of surprise billing?

How Do You Spell Surprise Correctly?: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surprised A Feeling?

Surprise is one of the seven universal emotions. We feel surprised when we are confronted with unexpected sounds or movements. As the shortest of the universal emotions, its job is to focus our attention on assessing what is going on and whether it is harmful.

Is Surprise A Positive Or Negative Emotion?

Surprise events have been described as a pre-affective condition or as an emotion that can be both good and unpleasant, depending on the goal of the surprising experience.

What’s The Opposite Of Surprise?

Aware, expectant, unruffled, etc.

What Happens When You’re Surprised?

When we are startled by something nice, we experience stronger sentiments of elation or delight than we would otherwise. Similarly, when we are surprised by anything unfavorable, our sentiments of anger, despair, or dissatisfaction will be heightened.

What Causes Surprise?

Unexpected circumstances can cause surprises. Unexpected events fall into two categories: those that are unexpected in the strict sense and those that are unexpected in the sense that they are unexpected. An event is considered unexpected if it contradicts a previously held, detailed, and typically explicit belief about it.

Why Do People Get Surprised?

Surprise, it turns out, activates the dopamine system in our brains, allowing us to focus our attention and inspiring us to see things differently.

How Do You Spell Surprise Correctly?: Final Words

One thing is to know a word, another thing is to pronounce it better. Now that you know how to spell “surprise” correctly, go on and use it well!