The word "gape" is spelled with the letters G-A-P-E. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ɡeɪp/. The sound represented by the letter G is a voiced velar stop, which involves stopping the airflow using the back of the tongue and the velum. The letter A represents the vowel sound /eɪ/, which is a diphthong of the vowels E and A. Lastly, the letter E at the end is typically silent, but it alters the pronunciation of the vowel sound to indicate a long vowel.
Gape is a verb that refers to the act of opening one's mouth widely and staring in amazement, surprise, or wonder. It involves parting the lips or mouth intentionally to reveal a wide opening, often accompanied by widening of the eyes. Observing something with astonishment or disbelief is often associated with this action. Gaping can also suggest a sense of awe or admiration towards something captivating or extraordinary.
While gape is typically used to describe the act of opening one's mouth wide, it can also be used metaphorically to denote a similar expression of surprise, astonishment, or wonder without literally parting the lips. The word may also describe a physical opening or gap, such as an open mouth or a separation between two objects or surfaces.
Furthermore, gape can be employed to describe the action of staring continuously at something, often suggesting a lack of awareness of one's surroundings due to rapt attention or intense fascination. It can imply a state of being engrossed and absorbed by a particular sight, person, or event. This intense focus often occurs in situations that are unexpected, unusual, or extraordinary. In summary, gape reflects the act of widely opening one's mouth, staring in astonishment or admiration, and fixating on something extraordinary or fascinating.
• To open the mouth wide, as from drowsiness or dullness; to yawn; to open, as a crevice.
• A gaping; a yawn; the opening between the mandibles of birds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "gape" originated from the Old Norse word "gap" which means "chasm" or "hole". It was then assimilated into Middle English as "gapen", meaning "to open the mouth wide" or "to yawn". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved into the modern English word "gape", maintaining its core meaning of opening the mouth wide, but also broadening to include ideas of astonishment, wonder, or being open-mouthed in general.