awesome

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Derived terms 1.3.4 Related terms 1.3.5 Translations

English

Etymology

awe + -some

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɔːsəm/, SAMPA: /"O:s@m/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Adjective

awesome (comparative more awesome, superlative most awesome)

1. Causing awe or terror; inspiring wonder or excitement.

   The waterfall in the middle of the rainforest was an awesome sight.

   The tsunami was awesome in its destructive power.

2. (informal) Excellent, exciting, remarkable.

   That was awesome!

   Awesome, dude!

Usage notes

The oldest meaning of "awesome" is "something which inspires awe", but the word is also a common slang expression in English. As the original meaning of awesome has become somewhat antiquated in general use, the term awe-inspiring is now generally used for the same meaning.

Synonyms

• (excellent): excellent, super, phenomenal, fantastic, terrific; wicked, bang-up, way cool, sweet (slang or informal); chur, cher (New Zealand)

Derived terms

• awesomely
• awesomeness
• awesomest

Related terms

• awe-inspiring
• awful

Translations