Definition

Describing something that is very wide open, such as a hole or wound.

Example

The gaping hole in the ground was a danger to anyone walking by.

Conversation

Did you see that gaping hole in the fence at the park?

Yeah, it looked like someone crashed into it or something.

I wonder if they’ll fix it soon; it’s pretty dangerous.

I hope so, especially with kids running around there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Gaping** → It is formed from "gape" (from Old English *gapan*, meaning to open wide or yawn) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "gaping" describes the action of opening wide, often in surprise or astonishment.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'opening wide' ('gape') in surprise, and the '-ing' shows that it's an action happening right now.

Visually Confused Words