Definition

In a way that shows a large opening or gap; widely open.

Example

The door was left gapingly ajar, allowing the cold wind to enter.

Conversation

Did you see that movie last night?

Yeah, the ending left me gaping in disbelief!

I know, right? I couldn't believe how it all turned out.

Same here! I was just sitting there, gaping at the screen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gapingly → It is formed from "gape" (from Old English "gapa", meaning to open wide or yawn) and "-ingly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "gapingly" means in a manner that is wide open or yawning.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that is 'wide open' ('gape') and doing it 'in a manner' ('-ingly'). This helps you remember that 'gapingly' describes something that is open wide.

Visually Confused Words