Overawing: meaning, definitions and examples
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overawing
[ ˌoʊvərˈɔːɪŋ ]
emotion, reaction
To overawe someone means to impress them greatly, often to the point of instilling a sense of fear or admiration. The term suggests an overwhelming effect that leaves the person feeling both amazed and intimidated. This feeling might arise from witnessing something grand, powerful, or awe-inspiring. Overawing often pertains to experiences that are larger than life, such as monumental achievements, breathtaking scenery, or profound wisdom.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The majestic mountains overawed the hikers.
- Her talent for singing overawed the audience.
- The city's skyline overawed the visitors.
- His knowledge about history overawed the students.
Translations
Translations of the word "overawing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 impressionante
🇮🇳 भयभीत करने वाला
🇩🇪 einschüchternd
🇮🇩 menyita
🇺🇦 вражаючий
🇵🇱 przytłaczający
🇯🇵 圧倒的な
🇫🇷 impressionnant
🇪🇸 imponente
🇹🇷 baskın
🇰🇷 압도적인
🇸🇦 مهيب
🇨🇿 ohromující
🇸🇰 ohromujúci
🇨🇳 压倒性的
🇸🇮 prevladujoč
🇮🇸 yfirþyrmandi
🇰🇿 бастырғыш
🇬🇪 დამთრგუნველი
🇦🇿 qorxuducu
🇲🇽 imponente
Etymology
The word 'overawing' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'over-' and the word 'awe.' The term 'awe' itself has its roots in the Old English word 'ege,' which means 'fear' or 'terror,' and has evolved to encompass feelings of reverence, admiration, and wonder. 'Over-' is a common English prefix that indicates excessiveness or surpassing. The construction 'overawe' suggests an extreme form of awe that not only captivates but possibly intimidates. The usage of the term has been noted in literature dating back to the early 20th century, where writers would employ it to articulate a sense of grandeur that left individuals both speechless and in reverence to the subject at hand.