C1verbemotions
US/ɡeɪp/
UK/ɡeɪp/
to look at something for a long time with your mouth open because you are surprised
In context
The tourists gaped at the huge waterfall in silence.
He stood gaping at the wreck of his car.
Don't gape at people when they walk past you.
Words that go with gape
verb + preposition
- gape atThe children gaped at the magician.
- gape in amazementShe gaped in amazement at the prize.
- gape in disbeliefHe gaped in disbelief when he saw the bill.
verb + adverb
- stand gapingWe often stand gaping at the size of the palace.
- gape openlySome visitors gaped openly at the celebrity.
- sit gapingThey sat gaping at the screen.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
gape to the pictureCorrect: gape at the picture