Oscitation: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Oscitation noun. The act of yawning; also, drowsy inattention.
How to say it
oss-ih-TAY-shun/ˌɒsɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
4 syllables, stressed on the third (TAY).
Oscitation in a sentence
One oscitation at the back of the room set off a wave of yawns.
The minister’s speech was met with polite oscitation.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- yawning
- drowsiness
Where oscitation comes from
From Latin oscitare, to gape, from os, mouth.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The minister’s speech was met with polite _____.
- acnestis
- oscitation
- prognosis
Show the answer
oscitation: The minister’s speech was met with polite oscitation.