awesome

From Wiktionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Related terms 1.3.4 See also 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. (somewhat dated or formal) 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!, That's 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.

Derived terms

• awesomely
• awesomeness
• awesomest

Related terms

• awe-inspiring
• awful

See also

• terrific
• way cool
• cruel
• sweet

Translations