Gaping: meaning, definitions and examples

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gaping

[ ˈɡeɪpɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

wide open

Wide open, as in a gap or hole; wide to the fullest extent; open to the utmost width.

Synonyms

open, vast, wide, wide open, yawning

Examples of usage

The door swung open, revealing a gaping hole in the wall.
She stared in shock at the gaping wound on his arm.

^{Context #2}

staring in awe

To stare with one's mouth open, as in wonder or surprise.

Synonyms

gawk, gaze, goggle, ogle, stare

Examples of usage

The children were gaping at the magician's tricks.
She couldn't help but gape at the breathtaking view.

Translations

Translations of the word "gaping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aberto

🇮🇳 खुला हुआ

🇩🇪 klaffend

🇮🇩 menganga

🇺🇦 роззявлений

🇵🇱 rozewarty

🇯🇵 開いた

🇫🇷 béant

🇪🇸 abierto

🇹🇷 açık

🇰🇷 벌어진

🇸🇦 مفتوح على مصراعيه

🇨🇿 otevřený

🇸🇰 roztvorený

🇨🇳 张开

🇸🇮 odprt

🇮🇸 gapandi

🇰🇿 кең ашылған

🇬🇪 გახსნილი

🇦🇿 açıq

🇲🇽 abierto

Word origin

The word 'gaping' originated from the Old Norse word 'gap', which meant an opening or a hole. Over time, it evolved to describe something wide open or staring with wonder. The verb form of 'gaping' first appeared in the English language in the 13th century, while the adjective form came into use in the 16th century.