awe
gb/ˈɔ/ us/ˈɔ/
B1
English
~ 4500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
Strong respect mixed with fear or wonder
A strong feeling of respect and surprise, sometimes with fear, caused by something very big, beautiful, or powerful.
Usage pattern:
to feel awe at [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'awe' with only 'fear' or only 'surprise', but it usually combines respect and wonder, and sometimes fear.
Synonyms
reverence (Emphasizes deep respect, often without the element of fear or surprise.)
|
amazement (Focuses on surprise and wonder, but lacks the respect/fear component.)
Antonyms
disdain (Shows strong dislike or lack of respect, the opposite emotional reaction to awe.)
Collocations
in awe
|awe and wonder
|filled with awe
|awe-inspiring
|look in awe
Themes
emotions
|perception
|human_experience
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The sight of the Grand Canyon filled her with awe.
- He stood in awe of the scientist's achievements.
- The children watched in awe as the fireworks lit up the night sky.
- Tourists gazed in awe at the ancient ruins.
- She was in complete awe of his talent.
Learner examples
- I looked at the mountain in awe.
- The boy watched the big ship in awe.
- We felt awe when we saw the tall building.
- They stood in awe of the famous singer.
- She was in awe of the beautiful garden.
Verb
B2
action
2
Cause someone to feel awe
To make someone feel great respect and surprise, sometimes with fear.
Usage pattern:
to awe [someone] with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'awe' as a verb without an object, but it usually takes a person as an object.
Synonyms
impress (Suggests creating admiration, but may lack the element of fear or deep respect.)
Antonyms
bore (To cause lack of interest instead of inspiring awe.)
Collocations
awe the audience
|awe-inspiring performance
|awe visitors
|awe crowds
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The magician's tricks awed the children.
- Her courage awed everyone in the room.
- The mountain scenery awed the hikers.
- His knowledge awed his students.
Learner examples
- The big lion awed the tourists.
- Her voice awed the crowd.
- The tall building awed me.
- The story awed the children.
Grammar
Dictionary form
awe
IPA
GB/ˈɔ/
US/ˈɔ/
Syllables & stress
awe (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (awe)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: awe
- Plural: awe
Verb
- Base: awe
- 3rd Person Singular: awes
- Present Participle: aweing
- Past: awed
- Past Participle: awed
Word family
Forms
Core family
awesome
adjective A2
awesomely
adverb
Related words
awesomeness
noun
awestruck
adjective
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: aweing Verb
Expressions
awe-inspiring
1/ˈɔ ɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Causing feelings of awe
Making people feel great respect and surprise, sometimes with fear.
Examples
- The cathedral's design is truly awe-inspiring.
- Her performance was awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
in awe of
1/ˈɪn ˈɔ əv/
fixed phrase
Feeling deep respect and wonder for someone/something
Feeling great respect and surprise, sometimes with fear, for someone or something.
Examples
- She was in awe of her grandmother's wisdom.
- We were all in awe of the view from the top of the mountain.