How Do You Spell LAST GASPS?

Pronunciation: [lˈast ɡˈasps] (IPA)

The spelling of "last gasps" can be confusing to some because of the "s" sound at the end of both words. However, the pronunciation is clear when using IPA phonetic transcription. "Last" is spelled /læst/ and "gasps" is spelled /ɡæsps/. The "s" sound in "last" is pronounced as /st/, while the "s" sound in "gasps" is pronounced as /sps/. Together, we have /læst ɡæsps/ which signifies the final breaths before dying or the end of someone or something.

LAST GASPS Meaning and Definition

1. Last gasps refer to the final, desperate attempts or actions made by someone or something before reaching the end or death. The term is often used metaphorically to describe the ultimate struggles or efforts made to survive or achieve a goal when all hope seems lost.

   In a literal sense, "last gasps" can refer to the final breaths taken by a dying individual before passing away. The body's automatic response to impending death often involves gasping for air as a desperate effort to sustain life. Thus, this term can describe the physiological process of the body struggling to survive in its final moments.

   Metaphorically, "last gasps" can depict a similar desperate struggle in various contexts. For instance, it can describe the final efforts made by an athlete who is completely exhausted, yet pushes themselves to the limit to cross the finish line. Similarly, it may refer to a dying business or industry that makes a final push to stay afloat or recapture success.

   Overall, "last gasps" encapsulate the notion of one's final, often valiant, attempts to survive or succeed when faced with impending defeat or death. The term highlights the intense determination and resolve exhibited by individuals or entities in dire circumstances.

Common Misspellings for LAST GASPS

• kast gasps
• past gasps
• oast gasps
• lzst gasps
• lsst gasps
• lwst gasps
• lqst gasps
• laat gasps
• lazt gasps
• laxt gasps
• ladt gasps
• laet gasps
• lawt gasps
• lasr gasps
• lasf gasps
• lasg gasps
• lasy gasps
• las6 gasps
• las5 gasps
• last fasps

Etymology of LAST GASPS

The word "last gasps" is a phrase derived from the combination of two separate words: "last" and "gasps".

1. "Last" comes from the Old English word "laest", which means "latest, most recent". It is related to the Middle Dutch word "leest" and the Gothic word "laists", both carrying similar meanings.

2. "Gasps" is the plural form of the verb "gasp". The verb "gasp" originated from the Old English word "gaespian", meaning "to open one's mouth wide, yawn, puff, pant". It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "gæspen" and the Middle High German word "gespen".

Combining these two words, "last gasps" refers to the final breaths or dying exhalations of a person or a thing, emphasizing the end or conclusion of something.