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.
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.