Question

In the sentence "The news of his death was jaw-dropping," the underlined word "jaw-dropping" has a strongly negative connotation, suggesting extreme shock and disbelief, as if the news was so surprising it literally made someone's jaw drop open.

Answer 1

In the sentence "The news of his death was jaw-dropping," the term "jaw-dropping" indeed conveys a sense of extreme surprise or shock. While it typically indicates a strong reaction to unexpected news, its connotation can vary depending on context. In this instance, it suggests a profound disbelief regarding the news of his death, emphasizing how startling and impactful the information is for those receiving it. While the expression does not inherently carry a negative connotation, in the context of news about someone's death, it closely associates with feelings of sadness, loss, and shock.