Definition

1. 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

1. 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