awesome

[ aw-suhm ]

adjective

1. causing or inducing awe; inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear:

   an awesome sight.

2. exhibiting or marked by awe; showing reverence, admiration, or fear.
3. Slang. very impressive:

   That new white convertible is totally awesome.

awesome

/ ˈɔːsəm /

adjective

1. inspiring or displaying awe
2. slang.
   excellent or outstanding

Confusables Note

See awful.

Derived Forms

• ˈawesomeness, noun
• ˈawesomely, adverb

Other Words From

• awesome·ly adverb
• awesome·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of awesome¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; awe + -some ¹

Example Sentences

“As soon as I got there, I remember going to a couple Italian restaurants and they just treated us like family. It was awesome.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Beastie Boys was big on this album,” she explains, “just ’cause they’re awesome and their phrasing is cool and we listen to a lot of them.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s been awesome that people are coming out to support us,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s so cool to be standing with everyone in your community, all different ages and all different backgrounds. And to get the chance to possibly elect the first female Black president is f— awesome.”

From Los Angeles Times

He was always touchy, but lately has decompensated so much that he can't handle anything but a Fox News host asking how he got to be so awesome.

From Salon

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• awe-inspiring
• breathtaking
• imposing
• inspiring
• magnificent
• majestic
• miraculous
• spectacular
• staggering
• stunning
• stupefying
• sublime
• wonderful
• wondrous