awe
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of profound respect, reverence, and wonder, often mixed with a sense of fear, inspired by something grand, sublime, or powerful.
In contemporary use, it often emphasizes the wonder and amazement component more than fear, especially in expressions like 'awe-inspiring' or 'in awe of.' It can also function as a verb meaning to inspire such a feeling.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically carried a stronger element of dread or terror (akin to 'awful'). Modern usage leans heavily toward wonder and admiration, though the context of overwhelming power remains. The verb form is less frequent than the noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of grandeur and reverence in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Phrases like 'awe-inspiring' and 'in awe of' are common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be in awe of [someone/something][something] inspires awe in [someone]to stand in awe before [something]to gaze in/with awe at [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in awe of someone/something”
- “awe-inspiring”
- “stand in awe of”
- “struck with awe”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in hyperbolic descriptions of a leader's impact or a product's effect: 'The new prototype left the investors in awe.'
Academic
Common in descriptions of reactions to natural phenomena, art, or profound ideas: 'The study examined the role of awe in spiritual experiences.'
Everyday
Used to describe being deeply impressed: 'We were in awe of the stunning sunset.'
Technical
Limited. May appear in psychology or theology discussing emotion: 'Awe is a self-transcendent emotion.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sheer scale of the cathedral never fails to awe visitors.
- He was awed into silence by the virtuoso performance.
American English
- The Grand Canyon awes everyone who sees it for the first time.
- We were truly awed by her generosity and strength.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children looked at the fireworks with awe.
- She felt awe when she saw the huge castle.
- I am in awe of my teacher's knowledge.
- The beautiful painting filled me with awe.
- The astronaut described the awe he felt seeing Earth from space.
- The ancient ruins are truly awe-inspiring.
- His speech evoked a sense of awe and collective purpose in the audience.
- Philosophers have long debated whether awe diminishes or enhances the sense of self.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AWE sounds like 'AW' (as in 'aw, how nice!') but it's the big, powerful feeling you get when you see something so great it makes you go 'AWesome!'
Conceptual Metaphor
AWE IS BEING OVERWHELMED BY VASTNESS (The mountains filled him with awe).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ужас' (terror/horror), though historically related. Modern 'awe' is closer to 'благоговение' or 'трепет' (reverent trembling).
- The adjective 'awesome' in English is often casual ('cool, great'), unlike the much stronger 'потрясающий' or 'великолепный'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'awe' to mean simple liking or happiness (e.g., 'I awe this song' – incorrect).
- Confusing the noun and verb forms: 'It awes me' is correct but formal; 'It makes me feel awe' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'awe' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily positive in modern use, associated with wonder and admiration. Its historical connection to fear means it can describe overwhelming, potentially intimidating grandeur, but not typically negative experiences.
'Awe' implies being overwhelmed by something vast, powerful, or sublime, often with an element of reverence. 'Wonder' is more about curiosity and marveling at something surprising or novel, without the same sense of being overpowered.
Yes, but it is less common and more formal than the noun. It means 'to inspire with awe': 'The spectacle awed the crowd.'
'Awesome' literally means 'inspiring awe.' However, in casual speech, especially in American English, it has been diluted to mean simply 'excellent' or 'cool.' In formal contexts, it retains its stronger meaning.
Collections
Part of a collection
Nuanced Emotions
C2 · 48 words · Precise vocabulary for complex emotional states.