agape

UK: əˈɡɑːpeɪ | US: əˈɡɑpeɪ

Definition

  1. n. 1. (Christian theology) Selfless, unconditional love, as exemplified by God's love for humanity.

  2. n. 2. (historical) A communal meal among early Christians, symbolizing brotherly love.

  3. adj. 1. (of the mouth) Wide open, especially in surprise or wonder.

Structure
a <without>gape <open mouth>agape <love>
Etymology
  1. The adjective form ("wide open") derives from Old English gapian ("to open the mouth"), combining the prefix a- (intensifier) with gape. It reflects the physical act of opening.
  2. The noun form ("love") is a direct borrowing from Greek agápē (ἀγάπη), meaning "selfless love," distinct from eros (romantic love) or philia (friendship). Early Christian writers adopted agape to describe divine love and communal meals embodying it.
Examples

  1. (n.) The sermon emphasized agape as the highest form of love.

  2. (n.) Early Christians celebrated agape feasts to foster unity.

  3. (adj.) She stood agape at the breathtaking view.

  4. (adj.) The child stared agape at the magician’s trick.

  5. (n.) Modern charities often operate on principles of agape.