yawn
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /jɔːn/
KK: /jɔn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To open your mouth wide and take a deep breath, often because you are tired or bored.
Example
She couldn't help but yawn during the long lecture.
Tense Forms
Past: yawned
Past Participle: yawned
Conversation
I couldn't help but yawn during that boring lecture.
I know, right? It felt like it lasted forever!
Yeah, I was barely keeping my eyes open when he started talking about statistics.
Same here! I had to yawn a few times to stay awake.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gape
open
exhale
Antonyms
close
shut
compress
noun
Definition
An act of opening the mouth wide and taking a deep breath, usually because of tiredness or boredom.
Example
After staying up late, I couldn't help but let out a big yawn during the meeting.
Conversation
I saw that new movie last night, and honestly, it was such a yawn.
Really? I heard it was supposed to be exciting!
Nope, it just dragged on and made me want to sleep.
transitive verb
Definition
To open one's mouth wide and take a deep breath, often because one is tired or bored, or to express a lack of interest.
Example
She couldn't help but yawn during the long lecture.
Tense Forms
Past: yawned
Past Participle: yawned
Conversation
Did you see how he yawned during the presentation?
Yeah, it was pretty obvious he wasn't interested at all.
I can't believe he would yawn like that in front of everyone.
Root Explanation
The word 'yawn' originates from Old English 'gan' (meaning to open wide) and is related to the Proto-Germanic '*gānōną' (meaning to open). It describes the action of opening the mouth wide, typically when tired or bored.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of 'opening wide' — that's what yawning is all about.
Visually Confused Words
yaw
yan
awn