awe
AW
/ɔː/
A feeling of reverent respect mixed with fear or wonder; to inspire such a feeling.
Combines profound wonder, grandeur, and solemn reverence, often triggered by nature, vast art, or supreme power.
The story behind the word. From Old Norse 'agi', meaning dread or terror. As it developed in Middle English, the fear element softened into solemn reverence and majestic wonder upon beholding divine or vast phenomena.
Word relationships
- veneration: 'Veneration' implies deep religious or moral honor; 'awe' emphasizes overwhelming majesty and wonder.
- contempt: Disregard or feeling that something is worthless.
- disdain: Scornful lack of respect.
Commonly confused with
- awful: Historically 'awful' meant inspiring awe, but in modern English it means very bad; 'awe' remains positive or majestic.
Word family
- awesome (adjective): Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring awe.
- awestruck (adjective): Filled with solemn wonder or reverence.
Collocations
- in awe of
- inspire awe
- stand in awe
Idioms & expressions
- awe-inspiring
- struck with awe
Example sentences
- "Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, the travelers gazed into the abyss in silent awe." Nature Writing
Memory hook
When you see something grand, your jaw drops open and you say 'AW!' Profound reverent wonder.
When not to use
Do not use for trivial, cheap, or everyday minor surprises.
Fun facts
- Both 'awesome' (wonder-filled) and 'awful' (terrible) share the exact same root word 'awe'.
Related words
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