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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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 ↓
Common pairings
mouth agape
stood agape
stared agape
agape love
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Fill the gap
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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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for agape
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.
What is the meaning of agape?
"agape" (adjective) means with the mouth wide open, usually because of surprise, shock or wonder.
