Awed: meaning, definitions and examples

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awed

[ɔːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

filled with wonder, amazement, or fear

Synonyms

amazed, astonished, impressed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
awed	This word is used when someone is overwhelmed by a sense of wonder or admiration, often mixed with a bit of fear or respect. She stood awed before the magnificent cathedral. We were awed by the power of the storm.
amazed	This is used when someone is extremely surprised or filled with wonder, typically due to something unexpected or extraordinary. He was amazed by the magician's tricks. I was amazed at how quickly she finished her work.
astonished	This word is used to describe a state of shock or great surprise, often stronger than 'amazed'. She was astonished to find out she had won the lottery. They were astonished by the sudden changes in the weather.
impressed	This is used when someone feels admiration or respect towards something because it is special, very good, or better than expected. The teacher was impressed with the student's project. I was really impressed by his ability to speak five languages.

Examples of usage

I was awed by the beauty of the sunset.
She stood in awed silence as the magician performed his tricks.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

respect

inspired by a feeling of respect or reverence

Synonyms

respectful, reverent, venerating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
awed	This word is used when someone feels a mixed sense of wonder and fear, usually in response to something majestic, powerful, or extremely impressive. I was awed by the sheer size of the Grand Canyon. The students were awed by the astronaut's stories.
respectful	This word is appropriate for situations where someone shows polite behavior towards a person, tradition, or rule. It suggests a conscious attitude of deference or regard. The child was respectful to his grandparents. She always speaks in a respectful tone.
reverent	This word is best used when someone shows deep respect, often coupled with admiration or devotion, typically towards something sacred or profound. The congregation was reverent during the prayer. He spoke in a reverent voice about his mentor.
venerating	This word is used when someone shows a high degree of respect and admiration, generally towards someone of great age, wisdom, or significance. It can imply almost an idol-like admiration. The students were venerating their wise old professor. Many people were venerating the historical figure.

Examples of usage

The students were awed by the wisdom of their teacher.
He looked at the towering mountains with awed admiration.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'awed' comes from the Old English 'ā' meaning fear, which evolved to express a sense of wonder or reverence.
Originally, 'awe' described a feeling that mixed fear and admiration, reflecting both respect and astonishment.
The usage of 'awe' has shifted over time to focus more on the positive emotions associated with beauty or grandeur.

Psychology

Experiencing awe can lead to increased feelings of connectedness with others and the world, promoting prosocial behavior.
Feeling awed has been linked to better emotional well-being, as it can create a sense of perspective and reduce everyday worries.
Scientists believe that awe can trigger the brain's reward system, producing feelings of happiness.

Art and Literature

Many poets and writers use moments of awe to express a character's transformation or deeper understanding of life.
In visual arts, landscape paintings often seek to evoke feelings of awe, capturing the overwhelming beauty of nature.
Literature often conveys awe through descriptions that highlight grandeur, such as massive mountains or stunning night skies.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, awe-inspiring events like eclipses or natural wonders are often seen as sacred or divine.
Ceremonies and rituals in many societies invoke awe to strengthen community bonds and mark important life events.
Religious experiences are frequently described in terms of immense awe, indicating a connection to the divine.

Pop Culture

'Awe-inspiring' is frequently used in movies and marketing to describe things that amaze the audience, like special effects or stunning visuals.
Songs and performances often aim to evoke awe through powerful lyrics and emotive delivery, captivating listeners.
Various documentaries and nature films focus on awe as a theme, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

Translations

Translations of the word "awed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maravilhado

🇮🇳 मंत्रमुग्ध

🇩🇪 ehrfürchtig

🇮🇩 tercengang

🇺🇦 вражений

🇵🇱 zachwycony

🇯🇵 畏敬の念を抱く

🇫🇷 émerveillé

🇪🇸 asombrado

🇹🇷 hayran

🇰🇷 경외하는

🇸🇦 مبهر

🇨🇿 ohromený

🇸🇰 ohromený

🇨🇳 敬畏

🇸🇮 osupljen

🇮🇸 undrandi

🇰🇿 таңғалған

🇬🇪 აღფრთოვანებული

🇦🇿 heyran

🇲🇽 asombrado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,492, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19489 repellent
19490 macadam
19491 shameless
19492 awed
19493 sagging
19494 predisposed
19495 tongs
...