Awful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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awful
[ˈɔː.fəl ]
Definitions
feeling or causing great displeasure or unhappiness
Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible.
Synonyms
abominable, atrocious, dreadful, horrible, terrible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| awful |
Use this word to describe something very bad, unpleasant, or disagreeable. It can be used in both serious and less serious situations.
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| terrible |
This word is commonly used to express something extremely bad or serious. It can describe a wide variety of negative situations.
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| dreadful |
This word is best for describing something very bad or appalling. It focuses more on the emotional response and fear something evokes.
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| horrible |
Use this word when describing something that causes horror or is extremely unpleasant. It's often used in casual conversations.
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| atrocious |
Use this word to refer to something extremely bad, brutal, or cruel. It can describe both actions and conditions that are outrageously bad.
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| abominable |
This word is suitable for situations involving something morally wrong, offensive, or extremely unpleasant. It often carries a stronger negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- That was an awful thing to say.
- The weather has been simply awful all week.
- The food was truly awful.
used to emphasize the degree of something unpleasant or severe
Used as a general term of disapproval.
Synonyms
exceedingly, incredibly, terribly, very.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| awful |
Can also be used informally to emphasize a large degree of something, but this is less common.
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| very |
The most general term used to emphasize a high degree of something. Versatile for almost any context, both formal and informal.
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| exceedingly |
Used to describe something that is extremely great in degree. Often found in more formal writing or speech.
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| incredibly |
Used to emphasize something that is hard to believe or very surprising. Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
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| terribly |
Typically used to describe something unpleasant or bad. Can also be used informally to emphasize a strong degree of emotion or action.
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Examples of usage
- He was an awful person to work for.
- She sings awfully out of tune.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, the word is often used humorously, describing minor annoyances rather than true horrors.
- British English has embraced the term in a more casual way, using it to describe both extreme disappointment and amusing situations.
Psychology
- Studies show that the negativity associated with words like this can create a strong emotional response, affecting mood.
- Words perceived as negative, such as this one, can trigger stronger neural reactions in the brain compared to positive words.
Literature
- Authors often use this word to evoke strong feelings in readers, creating an impactful description of characters or situations.
- In Shakespeare's works, ‘awful’ appears alongside themes of tragic events, highlighting human suffering and despair.
Pop Culture
- The expression 'It's awful!' is often humorously overused in sitcoms to depict exaggerated reactions, becoming a catchphrase.
- Various songs and movies incorporate this word to emphasize bad situations or heartbreak, resonating with audiences.
Origin of 'awful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'awefull,' which originally meant 'full of awe,' referring to deep respect or fear.
- In the 16th century, it began to take on a negative sense, shifting from reverence to a description of something dreadful.
The word 'awful' originated from Middle English 'awful' meaning 'inspiring reverential wonder or fear'. Over time, its meaning shifted to convey something extremely bad or unpleasant. The term has been used in English since the 13th century, evolving to its current usage in modern English.