adjective

agape

uh-GAYP (adjective); AG-uh-pay or ah-GAH-pay (noun)

Agape (adjective) means With the mouth wide open, usually because of surprise, shock or wonder. Example: “She stood there with her mouth agape at the size of the bill.”

adjective

With the mouth wide open, usually because of surprise, shock or wonder.

"She stood there with her mouth agape at the size of the bill."

"The children watched agape as the elephant lumbered past."

noun

religious Selfless, unconditional love, especially the love of God for humanity and the love Christians are called to show one another.

"The sermon drew a line between agape and mere sentiment."

"In his theology, agape asks nothing in return."

How to Use Agape

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt means your mouth is hanging open in surprise, or, in church language, selfless love.

When to use it

The 'mouth open' sense is literary; the 'love' sense belongs to theology and sermons.

Memory tip

Agape normally comes after the noun or verb, not before it: 'her mouth agape', not 'an agape mouth'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aghast gaping → eros → philia

Common pairings

mouth agape stood agape stared agape agape love

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She stood there with her mouth _____ at the size of the bill.

Etymology

The adjective is from a- 'in a state of' plus gape. The noun is from Greek agapē, meaning love.

Origin: English and Greek

Synonyms

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open-mouthed gaping wide open dumbfounded charity unconditional love divine love brotherly love

Antonyms

closed shut

Related Words

open close closed ended shut confused exclusive charity

Rhymes for agape

ape jape tape gape nape cape grape shape drape Snape escape scrape

See all rhymes for agape →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce agape?

It depends on the meaning. The adjective meaning 'mouth open' is said uh-GAYP, rhyming with 'escape'. The Greek noun for selfless love has three syllables, usually AG-uh-pay or ah-GAH-pay.

What is the difference between agape, eros and philia?

They are three Greek words for different kinds of love. Agape is selfless, unconditional love that seeks the good of the other; eros is romantic or desiring love; philia is the warm affection of friendship.

Can agape describe things other than a mouth?

Yes. Doors, gates, wounds and bags can all be described as agape when they are hanging wide open, though the mouth is by far the most common subject.

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