ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gosh

interj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɡɑʃ// UK //ɡˈɒʃ// gosh Humorous

interj. a word you use to show you are surprised, shocked, or impressed. It is a polite way to react to news without using stronger language.

interj. an exclamation used to express mild surprise, wonder, or alarm. It functions as a euphemism for 'God' and is generally considered polite or old-fashioned in register.


SIMPLE

Gosh, I didn't see you standing there.

CONTEXTUAL

Gosh, that is a lot of money to spend on a single pair of shoes.

COMPLEX

Oh gosh, I had completely forgotten that we were supposed to meet for lunch today, and now I feel terrible for making you wait.

Origin

Altered from God. First seen in 1757 as by gosh, probably from by gosse in Nicholas Udall's Ralph Roister Doister (circa 1553).

Usage

Used as a standalone exclamation or to introduce a sentence; it carries a mild, non-offensive tone.

Idioms2 entries

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