ぼうっと

Japanese

Etymology

Generally considered to be a compound of onomatopoeia ぼ (bo) + adverbial particle と (to). Extension of shorter version ぼっと (botto), emphasizing an extended ongoing state of mental or visual fuzziness, vagueness, or indistinctness.

Adverb

ぼうっと • (bōtto) 

1. Unclearly, indistinctly, vaguely.
2. The sound of a fire burning strongly.
3. By extension, indicating that someone's face is flushing red: blushingly.

Alternative forms

• ぼおっと (bōtto)
• ぼーっと (bōtto)

Synonyms

• ぼっと (botto)
• ぼんやり (bon'yari) (indistinctly)

Antonyms

• はっきり (hakkiri): clear, distinct