awe

IPA

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Dictionary definition of awe

A profound feeling of reverence, wonder, or admiration inspired by something remarkable, extraordinary, or of great magnitude.
"The vastness of the night sky filled him with a sense of awe."

Detailed meaning of awe

When experiencing awe, individuals are filled with a sense of astonishment, reverence, and even a touch of fear in the face of something that surpasses ordinary comprehension or expectation. It evokes a deep emotional response, often accompanied by a sense of humility and a heightened awareness of the vastness or beauty of the world. Awe can be triggered by various sources, such as natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, magnificent achievements, acts of heroism, or spiritual experiences. It transcends ordinary emotions and creates a state of admiration, respect, and sometimes even a sense of insignificance in the face of something greater. Awe is a powerful and transformative emotion that can leave a lasting impression, inspiring individuals to contemplate, appreciate, and strive for a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Example sentences containing awe

1. The majestic mountains filled me with awe as I stood at their base.
2. Her talent on the piano left the audience in complete awe.
3. The beauty of the sunset over the ocean was a sight to behold, leaving everyone in awe.
4. Walking through the ancient ruins, I felt a sense of awe at the history they held.
5. The astronaut's stories of space travel filled us with awe and wonder.
6. The artwork in the museum left visitors in awe of the artist's skill.

History and etymology of awe

The noun 'awe' has its etymological roots in Old English, where it appeared as 'ege' or 'egeu,' both of which meant 'terror' or 'dread.' Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'awe,' which still retained a sense of fear or dread. However, in the course of the Middle English period, 'awe' also took on the additional meaning of 'reverential fear' or 'reverence.' This transition reflects how feelings of fear and reverence can often be intertwined when encountering something remarkable, extraordinary, or of great magnitude. As the term further developed, it came to primarily denote a profound feeling of reverence, wonder, or admiration inspired by something extraordinary. The etymology of 'awe' thus highlights its historical connection to both fear and reverence, emphasizing the deep sense of wonder and admiration it conveys when encountering something truly remarkable.

Quiz: Find the meaning of awe

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Further usage examples of awe

1. The sheer size of the waterfall inspired awe in all who saw it.
2. As I gazed at the night sky, the stars filled me with a sense of awe.
3. The teacher's dedication to her students was truly awe-inspiring.
4. Standing before the grand cathedral, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe.
5. The performance of the acrobat left the audience in awe of his agility.
6. The power of nature's storms can inspire both fear and awe.
7. His selflessness in helping others was met with awe and gratitude.
8. The inventor's groundbreaking discovery left the scientific community in awe.
9. The historical monument stood as a testament to human achievement and filled me with awe.
10. The vastness of the universe is a source of perpetual awe for astronomers.
11. The wildlife in its natural habitat is a sight that fills me with awe.
12. The novelist's ability to craft captivating stories is truly awe-inspiring.
13. The dedication of the volunteers left a sense of awe in the hearts of the community.
14. The scale of the project's success left everyone involved in awe.
15. The majestic mountain peaks filled them with awe and wonder.
16. The orchestra's performance left the audience in awe of their musical talent.
17. The intricate details of the ancient architecture were met with awe by the visitors.
18. The powerful waves crashing against the shore inspired a sense of awe and respect for the ocean's might.
19. The sight of a newborn baby filled them with awe at the miracle of life.
20. The artist's masterpiece was met with awe and admiration by art enthusiasts.
21. The bravery and selflessness of the firefighters left everyone in awe.
22. The immense talent displayed by the young pianist left the judges in awe.
23. The ethereal beauty of the sunset cast the whole beach into a state of awe.
24. The sheer size and power of the waterfall were awe-inspiring.
25. The technological advancements in the field of medicine left him in awe of human innovation.