nounnounadjective
l’ébahi
amazed
Definition & meaning
The word ébahi is an adjective used to describe someone who is struck with amazement, astonishment, or bewilderment. It refers to a state of being so surprised that one is temporarily rendered speechless or motionless, often due to an unexpected event or a shocking sight.
- Meaning 1: Stupefied or dumbfounded. It describes a person who has lost their composure due to intense surprise.
- Meaning 2: Amazed or astounded. It can sometimes carry a nuance of admiration, where someone is left in awe by something impressive.
Grammar & Word origin
ébahi functions as an adjective. It is the past participle of the verb ébahir , which is rarely used in its conjugated forms outside of the participial state.
- Grammar: As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., elle est ébahie, ils sont ébahis).
- Origin: The word comes from the Old French esbahir, which meant "to frighten" or "to disconcert." This roots back to the Vulgar Latin ex-badire, where badare means "to gape" or "to open the mouth wide." Thus, etymologically, someone who is ébahi is literally someone who is "gaping" in surprise.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Il regarde le ciel, complètement ébahi.adjective
He looks at the sky, completely amazed.
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