Definition

1. Adjective:

   • With the mouth wide open, especially due to wonder, awe, or astonishment: Describes a state of being open-mouthed, often from surprise or amazement.

2. Noun:

   • (Christian theology) Selfless, spiritual love: Refers to the highest form of love, characterized by charity and unconditional regard for others, as exemplified by God's love for humanity.
   • A religious meal shared as a sign of love and fellowship: In early Christian practice, a communal meal expressing brotherly love and unity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The tourists stood agape at the size of the ancient pyramids.
  • She listened to the incredible story with her mouth agape.

• Noun (spiritual love):

  • The sermon focused on the concept of agape, urging the congregation to practice selfless charity.
  • His actions were motivated by pure agape, not by any desire for reward.

• Noun (religious meal):

  • The early Christians celebrated an agape, or love feast, to strengthen their community bonds.

Advanced Usage

• Theological Context: In academic or religious writing, "agape" is often contrasted with other Greek words for love, such as "eros" (romantic love) or "philia" (brotherly friendship). It specifically denotes divine, unconditional love.
  • The theologian's paper explored the distinction between agape and philautia (self-love).

Variants and Related Words

• Agapic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by agape love.
  • Her agapic compassion for strangers was inspiring.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Gaping, open-mouthed, astonished, awestruck, dumbfounded.
• Noun (love): Charity, selfless love, unconditional love, benevolence, altruism.
• Noun (meal): Love feast, communal meal, fellowship meal.

Related Phrases

• With mouth agape: A common adverbial phrase using the adjective form.
  • He watched the magic trick, with mouth agape.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The adjective form ("agape") describes a physical expression of surprise.
• The noun form ("Agape") is often capitalized when referring specifically to the Christian theological concept or the historical meal, distinguishing it from the common adjective. In general usage, it may appear in lowercase.
  • They studied the principle of Agape in the New Testament. (Theological concept)
  • His jaw was dropped, his expression completely agape. (Physical state)

Adjective

1. with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe
   • the gaping audience
   • we stood there agape with wonder
   • with mouth agape

Noun

1. a religious meal shared as a sign of love and fellowship
2. selfless love of one person for another without sexual implications (especially love that is spiritual in nature)
3. (Christian theology) the love of God or Christ for mankind