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Whoa - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Whoa is an exclamation used to express surprise, amazement, or a command to stop or slow down, often directed at horses or in moments of astonishment.

whoa

/woʊ/ /wəʊ/

Definition:

Command to stop or slow down, often used with horses or to express surprise.

Synonyms:

halt, stop, hold on, steady

Part of Speech:

interjection, verb

Antonyms:

go, proceed, continue

Common Collocations:

whoa there, whoa buddy, whoa Nelly

Derivatives:

whoaed, whoaing

Usage Tips:

Use "whoa" to command a horse to stop or to express sudden amazement or caution.

Common Phrases:

whoa there, easy whoa, whoa Nelly

Etymology:

Originated as a variant of "ho," a Middle English exclamation to stop or pause.

Examples:

  • 1. The horse stopped when I said "whoa."
  • 2. Whoa! That was an incredible magic trick!
  • 3. "Whoa there," she said as the dog ran toward her.
  • 4. He yelled "whoa" to slow the speeding bicycle.

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