gawk

/gɔ:k/

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Word: Gawk

Part of Speech: Verb (also used as a noun)

Basic Definition:

• As a verb: To gawk means to look at something or someone with surprise or wonder, often with your mouth open and in a silly way. It can also mean to stare stupidly.
• As a noun: A gawk is an awkward or silly person who often looks foolish or does not know what to say or do.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "gawk" when describing the action of staring in amazement or confusion.
• It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples:

1. Verb: "The children gawked at the magician as he made the rabbit disappear."
2. Noun: "Don’t be such a gawk; try to be more confident when speaking to others."

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "gawk" in different tenses:
  • Present: "I gawk at the giant sculpture."
  • Past: "She gawked at the fireworks last night."
  • Future: "They will gawk at the new roller coaster when it opens."

Word Variants:

• Gawking (verb, present participle): "He is gawking at the strange bird."
• Gawked (verb, past): "We gawked at the beautiful sunset."

Different Meanings:

• While "gawk" primarily refers to staring, it can also imply a sense of foolishness or lack of awareness about one’s surroundings.

Synonyms:

• Stare
• Gape
• Gawkiness (noun form, meaning awkwardness or clumsiness)
• Ogle (though this can suggest a more flirtatious or interested gaze)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "gawk," but you might come across phrases like "gawking at" something, which means to stare at it.

Summary:

"Gawk" is a casual term that describes the act of staring in a foolish or amazed way. It can also refer to a person who seems out of place or awkward in social situations.

Academic

Noun

1. an awkward stupid person

Verb

1. look with amazement; look stupidly

Synonyms

• lout
• clod
• stumblebum
• goon
• oaf
• lubber
• lummox
• lump
• goggle
• gape
• gawp