Surprisingly/sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Context Use 'surprisingly' when a situation defies common expectations. Surprisingly, the cat befriended the mouse. Pro Tip 2/3Stress Emotion Conveys the speaker's strong emotional response to the unexpected situation. Surprisingly, she laughed instead of getting angry. Pro Tip 3/3Preceding Irony Often introduces a statement that is ironic or opposite to what is anticipated. Surprisingly, the comedian's jokes were met with silence.