Surprise vs Supise Quiz: Test Yourself
Five quick questions on surprise vs supise. Pick an answer to get instant feedback.
Flip Cards: Quick Review
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Noun or verb: something unexpected, or to catch off guard.
“The party was a complete surprise.”
Not a word. A misspelling of surprise.
“Write surprise, not supise.”
Not a word. A misspelling that is missing the first r.
“Write surprise, not suprise.”
Adjective: unexpected or astonishing.
“The result was surprising.”
Surprise vs supise is a simple spelling question with a simple answer, but the word still catches many writers out. It is easy to drop one r, or both, because the first syllable is quiet and the double-r pattern is not obvious when you say it aloud. Here is how to get it right every time.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surprise | Something unexpected; a feeling of astonishment; to catch someone off guard | Noun, verb | The news came as a big surprise. |
| Supise | Not a word; a misspelling of surprise | Misspelling | Write “surprise” instead. |
| Suprise | Not a word; a misspelling of surprise with one r missing | Misspelling | Write “surprise” instead. |
| Surprised | Feeling astonishment because of something unexpected | Adjective, past tense verb | She was surprised by the gift. |
| Surprising | Causing astonishment; unexpected | Adjective | It was a surprising ending. |
Surprise vs Supise: Which Spelling Is Correct?
Surprise is correct and supise is wrong. The correct spelling is s-u-r-p-r-i-s-e, with two r’s and an e at the end.
Supise appears in no dictionary, and spell-checkers will underline it at once. Because the word is so common in messages, invitations and headlines, a typo here is highly visible.
What does surprise mean?
Surprise is a noun meaning something unexpected, or the feeling of astonishment it causes. It is also a verb meaning to cause that feeling or to catch someone unprepared.
The word comes from Old French surprise, the past participle of sorprendre, meaning “to overtake, seize, invade.” That verb joins sur-, “over,” and prendre, “to take.” According to Etymonline, it first meant an unexpected attack or capture in the late 14th century. The sense of “something unexpected” is recorded by the 1590s, and the feeling of astonishment around 1600.
It is pronounced suhr-PRYZE, with a z sound at the end even though the spelling uses s.
Is supise a word?
No, supise is not a word in standard English. It is simply a misspelling of surprise.
It has no separate meaning and no regional or historical standing. If you see it in print, treat it as an error and replace it with surprise.
Why do people misspell surprise?
People misspell surprise mainly because the first syllable is unstressed. In everyday speech “sur” can sound like “suh,” so the r in it fades from memory.
The word also has an r-p-r cluster in the middle, which is easy to shorten when typing quickly. That is how forms like suprise, surpise and supise appear.
Is it surprise or surprize?
It is surprise, with an s. The spelling surprize is an old form that is no longer standard. Etymonline notes that it was formerly written that way.
Many verbs end in -ize in American English, such as realize and organize, but surprise is one of the exceptions. It ends in -ise in both American and British English, so there is no regional choice to make.
How can you remember which one to use?
Split it into two parts: sur + prise. Each half starts with its own letters, and the r sits in both. Say it as “sur-PRISE” and write what you hear, with the r in each part.
Common mistakes
- ✗ What a nice supise!
✓ What a nice surprise! - ✗ We planned a suprise party for Dad.
✓ We planned a surprise party for Dad. - ✗ I was surpised by the news.
✓ I was surprised by the news. - ✗ It came as no surprize.
✓ It came as no surprise. - ✗ He supised her with flowers.
✓ He surprised her with flowers.
Memory tricks
- Two halves, two r’s. Surprise is sur + prise. The r appears in both halves.
- Think “over” and “take.” The word comes from sur-, “over,” and prendre, “to take.” To surprise is to take someone unawares.
- Stress the second part. Say sur-PRISE slowly and write both r sounds. Finish with -ise, never -ize.
FAQ
Is it surprise or supise?
It is surprise. Supise is a misspelling and not a word in standard English.
Is supise a word?
No. Supise is not a word. The correct spelling is surprise, with two r’s.
How do you spell surprise?
Surprise is spelled s-u-r-p-r-i-s-e. Think of it as sur plus prise, with an r in each half.
Is it surprise or surprize?
It is surprise. The spelling surprize is an old form that is no longer standard, and surprise ends in -ise in both American and British English.
Where does the word surprise come from?
Surprise comes from Old French surprise, from sorprendre, meaning to overtake or seize, built from sur-, meaning over, plus prendre, meaning to take.
Conclusion
In the surprise vs supise question, surprise is the only correct spelling. Remember sur + prise, with an r in each half and an -ise ending. Share this with someone who mixes these up.