Awfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
awfully
[หษห.fสl.i ]
Definitions
in a negative or unpleasant way
Used to emphasize the negative quality of something. In a terrible or unpleasant manner.
Synonyms
dreadfully, horribly, terribly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| awfully |
This word is often used to emphasize something in a conversational or informal context. It can be positive or negative.
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| terribly |
This is quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize something bad or sometimes even something good.
|
| dreadfully |
This has a slightly more formal tone and often implies a very negative situation.
|
| horribly |
This conveys a strong negative emotion and is often used to describe something that is very bad or unpleasant.
|
Examples of usage
- He behaved awfully towards her at the party.
- She felt awfully lonely after her best friend moved away.
- The weather was awfully cold for May.
very bad or unpleasant
Extremely bad or unpleasant. Of a very poor standard or quality.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| awfully |
Utilized in an informal context, often to emphasize a negative quality or to express a strong degree of something. It can sometimes carry a slight exaggeration.
|
| terrible |
Commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe something very bad or severe. It can be about a situation, feeling, or quality.
|
| horrible |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or bad, often connected to causing disgust or fear. It has a very strong negative connotation.
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| dreadful |
Best suited for more formal situations. It describes something really bad or causing fear or distress. It tends to have a slightly stronger negative connotation than 'awful'.
|
Examples of usage
- The food at that restaurant was awfully salty.
- She was in an awfully difficult situation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In casual conversation, people often use 'awfully' to mean 'very,' as in 'that was awfully nice,' which illustrates how meanings can evolve.
- In literature, the adverb frequently describes emotional states, expressing extreme feelings, both positive and negative.
- The word is often used in hyperbole, emphasizing the intensity of an experience, such as 'awfully cold' or 'awfully delicious.'
Psychology
- Using extreme language like 'awfully' can signal a heightened emotional response, indicating strong feelings about an experience or event.
- Psychologists study how language shapes our emotions and perceptions, with words like 'awfully' helping convey intensity in feelings.
- The word can influence social interactions, as expressing something as 'awful' may elicit sympathy or support from others.
Literature
- Writers often employ 'awfully' to deepen the emotional impact of a narrative, setting a tone of despair or exaggeration.
- Classic literature features characters who might say their situation is 'awfully grim,' enhancing the drama of their experiences.
- Poets may use 'awfully' to create vivid imagery, invoking strong emotions through the portrayal of negative conditions.
Origin of 'awfully'
Main points about word origin
- Originally, 'awfully' meant 'full of awe' or โworthy of respect.โ Over time, its meaning shifted to reflect something negative.
- The word comes from the Old English 'awe,' which conveys a sense of reverence or fear.
- By the 19th century, 'awfully' began to be used more casually, leading to its current negative connotation.
The word 'awfully' originated from the Middle English word 'awful' which meant 'full of awe' or 'inspiring awe'. Over time, the meaning shifted to convey a sense of extreme negativity or unpleasantness. The adverbial form 'awfully' came into use to intensify the negative quality of something. It has been used in English language to emphasize the severity of a situation or the intensity of a feeling.