What level is the word "what gives"?

"what gives" is a B1 (Intermediate) vocabulary word.

What is a synonym for "what gives"?

Synonyms for "what gives": what's the matter, what's going on.

The opposite of "what gives" is: everything's fine, all is well.

"what gives" appears in: Inside Out 1, Grey's Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation.

🇹🇷 🇪🇸 🇧🇷 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇷🇺 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇨🇳 🇸🇦 🇮🇳 🇻🇳 🇵🇱 🇮🇩 🇹🇭 🇮🇹

what's wrong; what's happening

Synonym: what's the matter, what's going on Opposite: everything's fine, all is well

Real example sentences from TV shows and movies.

Hey. What gives?
— Inside Out 1

What gives?
— Grey's Anatomy S3E20

you're back at work. what gives?
— How I Met Your Mother S3E2

What gives, Mrs...
— Modern Family S11E2

what gives?
— Parks and Recreation S4E7

This word appears in 5 titles. Click to explore the full vocabulary list.

🎬

Learn English from real shows & movies

Save words episode by episode. Study with flashcards. Practice speaking with AI.

Don't forget "What gives" — save it to your list for free

Track words from your favourite shows. Flashcards, speaking practice, progress tracking — free forever.

+ Save