Gaping - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Gaping means wide open, often describing a large or deep opening, such as a mouth, hole, or wound. It can also imply astonishment or shock when referring to an expression.
Definition:
Wide open, often in a way that suggests surprise or lack of awareness.
Synonyms:
yawning, wide-open, cavernous, vast
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
closed, shut
Common Collocations:
gaping hole, gaping wound, gaping mouth, gaping chasm
Derivatives:
gape, gapingly
Usage Tips:
Use "gaping" to describe something very wide open, often with a sense of emptiness or astonishment.
Common Phrases:
gaping void, stand there gaping, leave someone gaping
Etymology:
From Old Norse "gapa," meaning to open the mouth wide or stare in wonder.
Examples:
- 1. The gaping hole in the fence let the cold wind through.
- 2. She stood there with a gaping mouth after hearing the shocking news.
- 3. The hikers avoided the gaping chasm on the trail.
- 4. His shirt had a gaping tear after the accident.