gaping
word · lemma: gape
Definition
Very wide open; usually describes a large hole, space, or a widely opened mouth.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with physical objects, injuries, or spaces ('gaping hole', 'gaping wound', 'gaping mouth'). Sounds dramatic or vivid; rarely used for small openings. Not to be confused with 'gap' (noun for a space).
Spanish: abierto de par en par - abismal (brecha/hueco)Portuguese (BR): escancarado - aberto (buraco/fenda)Portuguese (PT): escancarado - aberto (buraco/fenda)Chinese (Simplified): 张开的 - 裂开的Chinese (Traditional): 張開的 - 裂開的Hindi: फाटा हुआ - मुँह बायाँArabic: مفتوح على مصراعيه - فاغر (فم/ثغرة)Bengali: ফাঁকা - বড় ফাঁক - ফাঁদা (মুখ বা চোট)Russian: зияющий - широко раскрытыйJapanese: 大きく開いた - 裂けたVietnamese: há hốc - rộng hoác - há toKorean: 크게 벌어진 - 활짝 열린Turkish: açık - kocaman (ağız ya da delik için)Urdu: پھٹا ہوا - کھلا ہوا (بڑا)Indonesian: menganga - terbuka lebar
Example Sentences
There was a gaping hole in the wall.
basic
He stared with his mouth gaping in surprise.
basic
We could see the gaping wound on his arm.
basic
The earthquake left gaping cracks in the road.
natural
She noticed a gaping tear in her dress after the accident.
natural
Don’t leave the door gaping all night—bugs will get in!
natural