agape
Translation
agape, wide open
Examples
His mouth was agape with surprise.
His mouth was agape with surprise.
She stared, her mouth agape.
She stared, her mouth agape.
Grammar Patterns
(predicative) (with one's mouth) wide open His mouth was agape with surprise.
Similar Words
Synonyms: astonished, amazed, open-mouthed
Etymology
From Old Norse 'gapa', 'to gape, open the mouth wide'. The 'a-' is a form of 'on'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'a gap' in your mouth when you are shocked, so you are 'agape'.