Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Agog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคฉ
Add to dictionary

agog

[ษ™หˆษกษ’ษก ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in eager anticipation

Agog means being very eager or excited to learn or hear something. It conveys a sense of heightened curiosity, enthusiasm, or anticipation, often in relation to news, events, or a particular situation.

Synonyms

eager, enthusiastic, excited, keen.

Examples of usage

  • The children were agog with excitement on Christmas morning.
  • She listened agog as the storyteller recounted his adventures.
  • Fans were agog to hear the announcement of the new album.
  • He was agog to find out who had won the competition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many characters in movies and books are described as 'agog' when they are about to unwrap a gift or hear big news.
  • The word is often used in catchy march songs to create excitement about communal events.
  • It has appeared in various song titles and lyrics to convey a sense of eagerness.

Literature

  • Classic literature often portrays characters as 'agog' to heighten drama, especially before reveals or climaxes.
  • In children's stories, the term adds vibrant imagery to a character's feelings, making the excitement relatable.
  • Great authors, like Charles Dickens, used 'agog' to depict characters with heightened anticipation.

Psychology

  • Being 'agog' can trigger the brainโ€™s reward pathways, making anticipation feel pleasurable.
  • The state of excitement linked with this word can enhance memory formation, making events more memorable.
  • Psychologists suggest that high levels of anticipation can improve mood and increase social interactions.

Usage and Context

  • While often used affectionately, the word can also indicate impatience, adding depth to its meaning.
  • It commonly appears in conversations about events, surprises, or news that are highly awaited.
  • The essence of โ€˜agogโ€™ speaks to a universal human experience of joy and eagerness that transcends cultures.

Origin of 'agog'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'agog' comes from the Old French term 'agoguรฉ', which means 'to lead' or 'set in motion'.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled as 'agog', reflecting a sense of being on the move with excitement.
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, capturing the essence of anticipation.

The word 'agog' originates from the early 18th century and is derived from the French word 'ร  gogo', meaning 'in abundance' or 'excessively'. Its use was likely influenced by its association with enthusiasm and eagerness in French-speaking cultures. The English adaptation captures a sense of excited restlessness, particularly in contexts where individuals are waiting for news or anticipating an event. Over the years, 'agog' has maintained its connotation of excitement, often used in literary and conversational contexts to express heightened emotional states linked to curiosity or anticipation. Although its usage may not be as prevalent in contemporary language, it remains a colorful term to describe eager interest or excitement in various situations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,168 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.