"Amazed" vs. "spellbound": not quite the same wonder

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 26/08/2025, 20:58

English.me team member

Amazed and spellbound. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "amazed" and "spellbound" are adjectives describing a strong emotional or mental state of fascination, surprise, or wonder. They express reactions to something impressive or extraordinary.

What is different?

"Amazed" typically refers to being surprised or astonished by something unexpected or incredible. "Spellbound" often implies being so fascinated or captivated that one is completely absorbed, almost as if under a magical spell, with less focus on surprise and more on intense attention.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Amazed

She was amazed by the magician's incredible trick.
I was amazed at how quickly the team finished the project.
He looked amazed when he saw the size of the cake.

Spellbound

The audience sat spellbound throughout the performance.
She listened spellbound as her grandmother told the story.
The children watched spellbound as the fireworks lit up the sky.