How Do You Spell GAPE AT?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈe͡ɪp at] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "gape at" is formed by the combination of two distinct sounds. The first sound is the voiced velar stop /g/ followed by the diphthong /eɪ/ which indicates that the vowel sound begins as /ɡ/ and ends with /eɪ/. The second sound is formed by the voiced alveolar plosive /t/. Together, these sounds create the concept of staring in amazement or wonder, which can be conveyed by using the phrase "gape at".

GAPE AT Meaning and Definition

1. To "gape at" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of staring or looking at someone or something with one's mouth open and in a state of wonder, surprise, shock, or amazement. This term implies a feeling of astonishment or disbelief that causes one's jaw to drop and their mouth to remain slightly or fully open.

   When people "gape at" something, they fix their eyes on the subject matter or person in question, often involuntarily, due to its extraordinariness, peculiarity, unusual feature, or unexpected occurrence. The act of gaping at something suggests an intense level of concentration, combined with a momentary loss of self-awareness or self-consciousness.

   This expression commonly conveys a multitude of emotions, such as admiration, astonishment, curiosity, wonder, or even horror, depending on the context and nature of the object being observed. "Gape at" can be used to describe various scenarios, including witnessing a breathtaking view, watching an enthralling performance, encountering a strange creature, or observing someone doing something incredibly impressive.

   In summary, "gape at" describes the mesmerized act of staring or looking with one's mouth open and in a state of wonder, surprise, shock, or amazement. It encompasses the idea of being transfixed by something extraordinary and experiencing a loss of composure or self-awareness due to the unexpected or remarkable nature of the object of observation.

Common Misspellings for GAPE AT

• gAPAT
• fape at
• vape at
• bape at
• hape at
• yape at
• tape at
• gzpe at
• gspe at
• gwpe at
• gqpe at
• gaoe at
• gale at
• ga-e at
• ga0e at
• gapw at
• gapd at
• gapr at
• gap4 at
• gap3 at

Etymology of GAPE AT

The word "gape" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "gap" and the Old English word "geap", both meaning "open mouth". Over time, "gape" evolved to refer to the act of opening the mouth wide, often due to surprise, wonder, or awe. The preposition "at" in "gape at" simply signifies the direction or target of the action, indicating that someone is visually focusing on the subject or object that elicits their surprise or wonder.

Idioms with the word GAPE AT

• gape at sm or sth The idiom "gape at someone or something" means to stare at someone or something in amazement, surprise, or disbelief, often with one's mouth open. It implies being astonished or captivated by what one is seeing.
• gape at someone or something The idiom "gape at someone or something" means to stare or look at someone or something in surprise, shock, or amazement. It typically suggests an open-mouthed expression or a wide-eyed gaze that reflects astonishment or incredulity.