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

Nuclear reactors could harness and control the same awesome forces released by atomic bombs - to provide electricity for millions of homes.

From BBC

“You were awesome,” Palmer told Foster.

From Los Angeles Times

Then we locked up everyone’s phone, no one knew, and Phil was awesome.

From Los Angeles Times

“We have a great opportunity with South Carolina coming into this building. … I think it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere … It’s an awesome opportunity, but it’s just another step to develop championship habits, to have championship-level character, and to develop that toughness and grit.”

From Los Angeles Times

Congrats to our awesome student athletes!

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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