gaping

Gaping (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does gaping mean?

Wide open or exposed, usually in a way that is unexpected or surprising.
"The wound on his arm was gaping and required immediate medical attention."

Detailed Meaning of Gaping

It can also refer to someone who is staring intently or with their mouth wide open in surprise or awe. For example, a person might be described as "gaping" if they are standing in front of a massive waterfall or watching an incredible performance. Similarly, a wound might be described as "gaping" if it is wide open and exposed, with tissue or bone visible. Overall, the term "gaping" implies an element of shock, awe, or surprise, and is often used to convey a sense of wonder or amazement.

Example Sentences for Gaping

1. The hiker stood at the edge of the gaping chasm, mesmerized by its depth.
2. The old house had a gaping hole in the roof, letting rainwater pour in.
3. He stared at the gaping wound on his arm, shocked by its size.
4. The child's mouth hung open in a gaping expression of awe.
5. The car accident left a gaping dent in the side of the vehicle.
6. The audience watched in silence as the magician pulled a rabbit out of a gaping top hat.

Origin and Etymology of Gaping

The adjective 'gaping' has its etymological origins in the Old Norse word 'gapa,' which meant 'to open one's mouth wide' or 'to yawn.' This Old Norse term was later borrowed into Middle English as 'gopen,' retaining the sense of opening one's mouth wide. Over time, the meaning of 'gaping' expanded to describe something that is wide open or exposed, often in a way that is unexpected or surprising. The etymology of 'gaping' reflects its historical connection to the act of opening one's mouth wide, which metaphorically extended to describe things or situations that appear wide open or exposed, as if they were caught in a state of surprise or astonishment.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective gaping:

agape

sealed

shut

closed

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Gaping

1. The hiker stumbled upon a gaping cave entrance hidden among the trees.
2. The earthquake caused the ground to split open, leaving a gaping fissure.
3. She covered her mouth to hide the gaping yawn during the boring lecture.
4. The museum visitors marveled at the gaping jaws of the dinosaur skeleton.
5. The soldier's uniform had a gaping tear from the explosion.
6. The photographer captured the moment of the diver's graceful dive into the gaping pool.
7. The hiker felt a sense of unease when he saw the gaping darkness of the abandoned mine.
8. The bakery window displayed a variety of delicious pastries, tempting passersby with their gaping freshness.
9. The firefighter bravely entered the burning building through the gaping entrance.
10. The excavator dug a gaping hole in the ground, preparing for the construction project.
11. The toddler pointed at the gaping mouth of the alligator in the zoo exhibit.
12. The storm ripped through the neighborhood, leaving a path of destruction and gaping fences.
13. The athlete's mouth gaped open as he crossed the finish line, exhausted but victorious.
14. The student's paper was full of gaping plot holes and inconsistencies.