to be suddenly surprised or frightened · to jump slightly from a sudden shock
Ever been engrossed in a movie, and then a sudden noise makes you leap out of your seat? 😱 That's exactly when you'd say you 'were startled'! It's for those unexpected, quick shocks, not deep fears. 💡
Think of 'startled' as a quick, physical reaction to something sudden – like a sudden loud noise, someone tapping your shoulder unexpectedly, or seeing something unexpected. It implies a momentary surprise or minor fright. You might jump, gasp, or drop something! 😲
When would you most appropriately use 'to be startled'? A. When you slowly realize you forgot your keys at home. B. When you are watching a scary movie and someone suddenly jumps out on screen. C. When you carefully open a door and see a friend waiting there.