The phrase "gazing openmouthed" is a common expression used to describe someone staring in astonishment or wonder. The word "gazing" is pronounced /ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/, with a long a sound in the first syllable and a soft g. The word "openmouthed" is pronounced /ˈoʊpənmaʊðd/, with a long o sound in the first syllable and a voiced th at the end. The spelling of this phrase accurately reflects the phonetic sounds that are heard when it is spoken.
"Gazing openmouthed" is a descriptive phrase that refers to the act of looking intently or fixedly at something with one's mouth hanging open due to surprise, awe, or astonishment. This expression captures a sense of wonderment or admiration that is so intense and captivating that the observer's mouth remains agape, possibly indicating an inability to comprehend or articulate their feelings.
The word "gazing" emphasizes the prolonged and concentrated act of looking at something, suggesting a deep interest or fascination. This intense focus suggests an emotional or intellectual connection with the object of observation, as if the viewer is utterly absorbed by what they are seeing.
The addition of "openmouthed" intensifies the sense of astonishment or amazement. It conveys a level of surprise or shock that is so profound, it temporarily renders the individual speechless or incapable of closing their mouth. This open-mouthed stance can be seen as a physical manifestation of the deep impression that the object or scene has left on the observer.
Overall, "gazing openmouthed" describes a state of being captivated by something, to the extent that one's mouth remains agape. It encompasses both the visual fixation and the emotional impact of the subject being observed.
The phrase "gazing openmouthed" is a combination of two words: "gazing" and "openmouthed".
The word "gaze" originated from the Middle English word "gasen", which meant "stare" or "look fixedly". It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "gasa", meaning "to gape" or "be open-mouthed". Over time, the meaning shifted to imply a more steady or intense look.
"Openmouthed" is a compound word consisting of "open" and "mouth". "Open" comes from the Old English word "openian", meaning "to open" or "spread out", which has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "upana" for "open" or "up".