agape

¹

[ uh-geyp, uh-gap ]

adverb

1. with the mouth wide open, as in wonder, surprise, or eagerness:

   We stood there agape at the splendor.

2. wide open:

   his mouth agape.

agape

²

[ ah-gah-pey, ah-guh-pey, ag-uh- ]

noun

, plural a·ga·pae [ah-, gah, -pahy, ah, -g, uh, -pahy, -pee], a·ga·pai [ah-, gah, -pahy, ah, -g, uh, -pahy]

1. the love of God or Christ for humankind.
2. the love of Christians for other persons, corresponding to the love of God for humankind.
3. unselfish love of one person for another without sexual implications; brotherly love.
4. love feast ( defs 1, 2 ).

Agape

¹

/ ˈæɡəpɪ /

noun

1. Christian love, esp as contrasted with erotic love; charity
2. a communal meal in the early Church taken in commemoration of the Last Supper; love feast

agape

²

/ əˈɡeɪp /

adjective

1. (esp of the mouth) wide open
2. very surprised, expectant, or eager, esp as indicated by a wide open mouth

Word History and Origins

Origin of agape¹

First recorded in 1660–70; a- ¹ + gape

Origin of agape²

First recorded in 1600–10, agape is from the Greek word agápē “love”

Word History and Origins

Origin of agape¹

C17: Greek agapē love

Origin of agape²

C17: a- ² + gape

Example Sentences

As he complained about the low height of microphone stands at some of his events, Trump stooped over the stand, rubbing his hand up and down it, and bobbing his head with his mouth agape as the audience laughed.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time he reached the home stretch, his teammates were waiting, arms raised and mouths agape, for a celebration at the plate.

From Los Angeles Times

There I was, learning about the end of this particular chapter of democracy while trying on jorts 50 percent off at a Gap Outlet, my mouth agape at the not-surprising but still-shocking news.

From Slate

Rafael Nadal, left arm across his chest, feet levitating above the court and mouth agape, has just walloped a trademark forehand winner.

From BBC

She’s used the federally qualified health center, called Agape Health, which is one of a few facilities in the county still offering primary care.

From Seattle Times