awe-inspiring
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Causing or inspiring a feeling of profound respect mixed with fear or wonder: "awe-inspiring" describes something so impressive, grand, or powerful that it evokes a strong emotional reaction of awe—a combination of reverence, admiration, and sometimes a touch of fear due to its overwhelming nature.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The view from the mountain summit was truly awe-inspiring.
- The orchestra delivered an awe-inspiring performance of the symphony.
- The sheer scale of the ancient pyramids is awe-inspiring.
Advanced Usage
- Used to describe natural wonders: Often applied to landscapes, celestial events, or natural phenomena that are vast and magnificent.
- We watched the awe-inspiring spectacle of the northern lights.
- Used to describe human achievement: Can describe feats of engineering, architecture, art, or skill that are exceptionally grand or masterful.
- The scientist's awe-inspiring discovery changed our understanding of physics.
- Used to describe abstract concepts: Can be applied to ideas, complexity, or power that is difficult to fully comprehend.
- The awe-inspiring responsibility of leading the nation weighed on her.
Variants and Related Words
- Awe (n): A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
- They gazed in awe at the majestic waterfall.
- Awed (adj): Filled with or expressing awe.
- The awed crowd fell silent.
- Awesome (adj): Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring awe. (Note: In informal contexts, "awesome" can mean "excellent" or "great," but its formal meaning aligns closely with "awe-inspiring".)
- The awesome power of the volcano was terrifying.
- Awing (adj): Having the effect of inspiring awe. (Less common)
- The awing silence of the deep forest.
Synonyms
- Majestic: Having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
- Breathtaking: Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away.
- Sublime: Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.
- Stupendous: Extremely impressive.
- Dumbfounding: Greatly astonishing or amazing.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To stand in awe of: To have a profound feeling of respect and wonder for someone or something.
- I stand in awe of her dedication and talent.
- A sight to behold: Something very impressive or beautiful to look at. (This phrase often describes something that could be called "awe-inspiring".)
- The palace gardens in spring are a sight to behold.
Adjective
- inspiring awe or admiration or wonder
- New York is an amazing city
- the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
- the awesome complexity of the universe
- this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath- Melville
- Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent