awe
aw
Awe (noun) means a powerful feeling of respect mixed with wonder or fear. Example: “The children stared in awe at the size of the whale.”
noun
1
A powerful feeling of respect mixed with wonder or fear.
"The children stared in awe at the size of the whale."
"She was in awe of the mountain's scale."
"We stood in awe beneath the enormous, star-filled sky."
verb
1
To fill someone with awe.
"The performance awed the entire audience."
"The magician's final trick awed even the most sceptical members of the crowd."
"The vast cathedral never fails to awe first-time visitors."
How to use awe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mixture of amazement and slight fear at something impressive.
Common pairings
in awe of
awe-inspiring
stand in awe
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Word forms
- Plural
- awes
- Third person singular
- awes
- Past tense
- awed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The children stared in _____ at the size of the whale.
Etymology
From Old Norse agi, "terror, dread", from Proto-Germanic *agaz.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “awe” mean?
The word “awe” means a powerful feeling of respect mixed with wonder or fear. In plain terms, a mixture of amazement and slight fear at something impressive.
How do you pronounce “awe”?
“Awe” is pronounced aw (/ɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “awe” in a sentence?
Here is “awe” used in a sentence: “The children stared in awe at the size of the whale.”
What part of speech is “awe”?
Depending on how it is used, “awe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “awe” come from?
The word “awe” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse agi, "terror, dread", from Proto-Germanic *agaz.
Is “awe” a common word?
“Awe” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “awe” have?
“Awe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a powerful feeling of respect mixed with wonder or fear.
What is the difference between awe and fear?
Awe is a powerful feeling of respect mixed with wonder, and sometimes fear, typically inspired by something impressive or vast, while fear alone is simply a response to danger or threat without the accompanying sense of wonder or admiration.
What is the difference between awe and admiration?
Admiration is a feeling of respect or approval for someone or something, while awe is a stronger, more overwhelming reaction that combines wonder with a sense of the sheer scale or power of what is being experienced.
Can awe be used as a verb?
Yes, awe can be used as a verb meaning to fill someone with awe, as in "the view awed the entire crowd."
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