aghast
gb/əɡˈæst/ us/əɡˈæst/
B2
Inglês
~ 9700
Acepções
0 acepção
adjective
B2
state
1
Very shocked, horrified, or appalled
Feeling very shocked and upset, as if something is very bad or terrible.
Padrão de uso:
be aghast at [something]
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes say *"aghast of"* instead of *"aghast at" or "aghast by"; standard patterns are "be aghast at something" or "be aghast by something." Another common mistake is using *aghast* before a noun (e.g., *"an aghast man"*); it is almost always used after a verb like *be, look, stand* (e.g., *"The man was aghast"*). Learners may also confuse *aghast* with *ghost* or *ghastly* because of spelling, but *aghast* only describes a feeling of strong shock or horror.
Sinônimos
horrified (Emphasizes fear and shock, often from something terrible or violent; very close in strength to "aghast.")
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appalled (Stresses strong moral shock or disgust, especially at bad behavior or injustice.)
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shocked (More general and common; can be weaker and used in many situations where "aghast" would be too strong.)
Antônimos
unmoved (Shows no emotional reaction, the opposite of being strongly shocked.)
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unconcerned (Not worried or upset at all, contrasting with the intense reaction in "aghast.")
Colocações
be aghast at
|look aghast
|stand aghast
|aghast by the news
|aghast spectators
Temas
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- She was aghast at the amount of plastic waste washed up on the beach.
- The audience looked aghast as the speaker made a cruel joke about the victims.
- I was aghast to discover that the company had covered up the safety problems for years.
- Neighbors were aghast by the sudden increase in violent crime in their quiet street.
- Reporters stood aghast as the politician openly admitted to taking bribes.
Exemplos para estudantes
- We were aghast at the price of the hotel room.
- His parents were aghast when they heard what he had done.
- The teacher looked aghast when the student shouted at her.
- I was aghast to see how dirty the kitchen was.
- People were aghast by the pictures on the news.
Gramática
Forma no dicionário
aghast
AFI
GB/əɡˈæst/
US/əɡˈæst/
Sílabas e tonicidade
aghast (1 sílaba)
Formas da palavra
Adjective
- Base: aghast
Família de palavras
Related words
ghastly
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
ghastliness
noun
Expressões
be aghast at
1/bˈi əɡˈæst ˈæt/
fixed phrase
Feel very shocked by something
To feel very shocked, upset, or full of horror because of something you see, hear, or learn.
Exemplos
- Many citizens were aghast at the government’s plan to cut funding for schools.
- She was aghast at how carelessly the company treated its workers.
- Environmental groups were aghast at the decision to clear the forest.
stand aghast
1/stˈænd əɡˈæst/
fixed phrase
literary
Stand frozen in shock or horror
To stand completely still because you feel very shocked or full of horror.
Exemplos
- The crowd stood aghast as the historic tower suddenly collapsed.
- We stood aghast, unable to move or speak as the news sank in.