agape
/əˈɡeɪp/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈɡeɪp/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈgāp also -ˈgap/ (ame, mw) · /ˈæɡəpi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæɡəpi/ (ame, ipa)
agape — adjective
- agapepositive
- more agapecomparative
- most agapesuperlative
1. Describes someone whose mouth is hanging open, usually because something has sur
Describes someone whose mouth is hanging open, usually because something has surprised, shocked, or amazed them.
Sari stood agape as the ceiling opened to reveal the old mural.
pattern: stand agape after a surprise
The children watched agape while the magician pulled coins from Owen's shoe.
Christopher sat with his mouth agape when the judge read the verdict.
Even the reporter looked agape after the mayor announced the sudden resignation.
- open-mouthed
More everyday and direct; 'agape' sounds more literary or dramatic.
- gaping
Can describe a mouth or opening, but it does not always imply surprise.
- astonished
Focuses on the feeling of surprise, while 'agape' highlights the visible expression.
文法句型
be agape
look agape
stand agape
mouth + be agape
用法筆記
Usually appears after a linking verb and often focuses on a visible reaction, especially the mouth or jaw. In everyday English, people more often say 'open-mouthed' or describe the person's surprise directly.
常見錯誤
agape — noun
1. A self-giving form of love that seeks another person's good rather than romance,
A self-giving form of love that seeks another person's good rather than romance, desire, or personal gain, especially in Christian thought.
The pastor described agape as love that keeps serving when praise fades.
pattern: describe agape as + noun phrase
Hana saw agape in the volunteers who cooked for strangers every week.
Their study group discussed how agape asks people to forgive without reward.
The bishop preached that agape means seeking another person's good before your own.
- charity
In older Christian writing, it can overlap strongly with 'agape,' but it often emphasizes kind action.
- compassion
Focuses on feeling concern for suffering; 'agape' is broader and more willed.
- devotion
Suggests deep loyalty, but it does not necessarily carry the same universal moral sense.
- self-interest
Focuses on personal benefit instead of another person's good.
- lust
Centers on sexual desire, which this sense explicitly excludes.
文法句型
feel agape for + noun
show agape toward + noun
describe agape as + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense belongs mainly to religious or theological writing and speech. Unlike ordinary 'love,' it stresses deliberate care for others rather than romance, family closeness, or personal desire.
常見錯誤
2. A communal meal in the early Christian church, shared to express mutual care and
A communal meal in the early Christian church, shared to express mutual care and fellowship.
Early believers shared an agape after prayer and the reading of letters.
pattern: share an agape
The history book explains how an agape strengthened ties within the church.
During the retreat, the group ended the evening with a simple agape.
Arjun read about widows bringing bread and olives to the agape.
- love feast
Closest direct synonym and the common explanatory term in English.
- fellowship meal
More transparent for modern readers, but less specifically historical than 'agape.'
文法句型
hold an agape
share an agape
gather for an agape
用法筆記
This sense names an actual shared meal, not the abstract ideal of selfless love in sense 1. It mostly appears in church history, theology, or formal discussion of early Christian practice.