gape
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɡeɪp/
KK: /geɪp/
intransitive verb
Definition
To open the mouth wide or to stare with surprise or wonder, often with the mouth open.
Example
She gaped in amazement at the magician's tricks.
Tense Forms
Past: gaped
Past Participle: gaped
Conversation
Did you see that amazing magician last night?
Yeah, I couldn't believe my eyes! I just gaped at the tricks he performed.
Right? I was gaping the whole time, especially when he made that elephant disappear.
Same here! It was like magic right in front of us.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
yawn
gawk
stare
Antonyms
glance
peek
ignore
noun
Definition
A large opening or the act of opening widely, often used to describe a fit of yawning or a space between jaws.
Example
The bird had a gape that made it difficult to breathe due to the disease.
Conversation
Did you see that gape in the fence at the park?
Yeah, it's pretty big! I wonder how it got there.
I think it might be a hazard for kids playing around.
Root Explanation
Gape → It originates from Old English 'gapan' (meaning to open wide or yawn). The word 'gape' describes the action of opening the mouth wide, often in surprise or wonder.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone opening their mouth wide in surprise — that's what 'gape' means, coming from the Old English word for 'to open wide'.
Visually Confused Words
grape
agape
gap
ape
upgape
graped
gasper