awful
|aw-ful|
B1
/ˈɔːfəl/
extremely bad
Etymology
Etymology Information
'awful' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'egefull,' where 'ege' meant 'fear' and 'full' meant 'full of.'
Historical Evolution
'egefull' transformed into the Middle English word 'awful,' and eventually became the modern English word 'awful.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'full of fear or awe,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extremely bad or unpleasant.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
extremely bad or unpleasant.
The weather was awful yesterday.
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Adjective 2
inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.
The awful majesty of the mountains left us speechless.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39