agape
UK[əˈɡeɪp]US[əˈɡeɪp]
adj
With the mouth wide open, especially in surprise, wonder, or eagerness
adv
In a state of wonder or expectation, with the mouth wide open
Morpheme Breakdown
a
gape
a
prefix
gape
root
Etymology
The word 'agape' is a native English formation, combining the Old English intensive or stative prefix 'a-' with the verb 'gape'. 'Gape' itself entered Middle English from the Old Norse 'gapa', meaning 'to open the mouth, to yawn', which has Proto-Germanic roots. The prefix 'a-' was commonly attached to verbs to form adjectives or adverbs describing a state resulting from the action, such as 'aflame' from 'flame'. Thus, 'agape' literally describes the state of having gaped—of being held with the mouth wide open. This concrete image of physical openness evolved naturally to metaphorically convey states of profound astonishment, eager anticipation, or rapt attention.
Analysis
Structure: a (prefix) + gape (root)
a-: A prefix of Old English origin, often used to indicate a state or condition, as in 'asleep', 'awake', 'afire'.
gape: A verb of Old Norse origin (gapa), meaning to open the mouth wide.
Examples
The children stood agape as the magician performed his final trick.
The audience watched, mouths agape, at the breathtaking acrobatics.
He listened agape to the incredible story of their survival.