Surprisal for Dummies

Surprisal is a word that we often use to describe a feeling or emotion that occurs when something unexpected happens or we encounter something that we did not see coming. It is that moment of astonishment or amazement when we are taken aback by a situation or event that catches us off guard. Imagine you are walking down the street on a sunny day, and suddenly, out of nowhere, your best friend pops up in front of you, whom you haven't seen in months! You would probably be surprised, right? That feeling of shock and delight you experience in that moment is what we call surprisal.

Now, surprisal can also be used to describe the level of unexpectedness or astonishment that we feel. For example, let's say we are watching a magic show. The magician performs a trick, and we are completely amazed by it. We might say that the trick had a high level of surprisal because it was so unexpected and incredible. On the other hand, if we can predict what is going to happen or if something is not as shocking as we anticipated, we could say that it has a low level of surprisal.

Think of surprisal like opening a present on your birthday. You have no idea what could be inside, and when you unwrap it, you are filled with excitement and wonder. The sensation you experience at that moment is the essence of surprisal. It is that feeling when our expectations are shattered, and a new, unexpected reality takes their place.

So, in summary, surprisal is a word we use to describe the feeling of being astonished or amazed when something unexpected happens. It can also refer to the level of unexpectedness of an event or situation. Whether it's the joy we feel when we are surprised by a loved one or the awe we experience when witnessing something extraordinary, surprisal adds a touch of magic to our lives.