Pronunciation: [mˌe͡ɪks spˈiːt͡ʃləs] (IPA) 
The phrase "makes speechless" can be broken down into its individual sounds using the IPA phonetic transcription. "M" is pronounced as /m/, "ay" as /eɪ/, "k" as /k/, "s" as /s/, "sp" as /sp/, "ee" as /i/, "ch" as /tʃ/ and "less" as /lɛs/. Altogether, the word is spelled as /meɪk spitʃlɛs/. This phrase means to cause someone to be speechless, unable to form words due to surprise or shock.
To "make speechless" refers to the act of rendering someone incapable of speech or leaving them completely at a loss for words due to shock, surprise, awe, or astonishment. This phrase denotes a state of temporary or even prolonged silence due to an overwhelming emotional impact or an inability to articulate one's thoughts and feelings.
When an individual experiences something that is beyond their comprehension or expectation, it can leave them speechless. This state often signifies a deep emotional response that leaves them utterly amazed, shocked, or stunned to the point where they are unable to formulate coherent words or verbalize their thoughts. It can result from witnessing a remarkable event, encountering breathtaking beauty, receiving surprising news, or being in awe of someone's achievements or talents.
The expression "makes speechless" underscores the profound effect that an experience or situation can have on an individual's ability to communicate verbally. Not only does it imply a loss of speech, but also a suspension of normal cognitive function due to the overwhelming impact of the moment. While the duration of this state can vary, it typically represents the lingering impression left on an individual's mind after being exposed to something extraordinary or unexpected.
Overall, to "make speechless" highlights the power of an experience or event to leave someone momentarily incapable of expressing themselves verbally, emphasizing the magnitude of the emotional response that can render individuals inarticulate and overwhelmed.
The word "makes speechless" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of words. However, we can look at the etymology of each individual word to understand their origins:
- Makes: This word is derived from the Old English word "macian", which means "to prepare" or "to construct". It originated from the West Germanic language family and is related to the Dutch word "maken" and the German word "machen".
- Speechless: This word is a combination of "speech" and the suffix "-less". "Speech" comes from the Old English word "spec", which means "discourse" or "expression". The suffix "-less" is derived from the Old English "-leas", meaning "without" or "devoid of". Therefore, "speechless" means "without speech" or "unable to speak".
