speechless — unable to speak, especially as the temporary result of shock or strong emotion
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: unable to speak, especially as the temporary result of shock or strong emotion
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈspiːtʃləs/
Example Sentences
- When he saw his surprise birthday party, he was completely speechless for five minutes.
- The beauty of the sunset left the tourists speechless.
- I'm speechless - did you really eat my entire birthday cake?
speechless
ADJECTIVE[/ˈspiːtʃləs/]
unable to speak, especially as the temporary result of shock or strong emotion
She was speechless when she opened the surprise birthday gift.
Sleepless nights of needless pain left me speechless.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Speechless emerged in English during the 16th century through the combination of 'speech' (from Old English 'spræc', meaning utterance or language) and the suffix '-less' (meaning without or devoid of). The compound literally denotes a state of being without speech or words.
Breakdown
speech (utterance, language) + -less (without, lacking). The suffix '-less' derives from Old English '-leas', meaning deprived of or free from.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When he saw his surprise birthday party, he was completely speechless for five minutes.”
“The beauty of the sunset left the tourists speechless.”
“I'm speechless - did you really eat my entire birthday cake?”
“The award winner stood speechless at the podium, overwhelmed with emotion.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.