Definition

Adjective: 1. Overcome by a feeling of awe: Feeling deeply impressed, subdued, or intimidated by something or someone perceived as vastly superior, powerful, or magnificent. The state of being so affected by awe that one's confidence or assertiveness is diminished.

Usage

The adjective "overawed" describes a person's emotional state. It is typically used with linking verbs like be, feel, seem, or become. It often implies that the feeling of awe has a silencing or humbling effect.

Examples

• The young recruits were overawed by the stern general.
• She felt overawed by the grandeur of the ancient cathedral.
• He tried not to appear overawed by the famous scientists at the conference.
• The team was initially overawed by their opponent's reputation but soon started playing confidently.

Advanced Usage

• "to be overawed into silence/submission": To be so filled with awe that one becomes quiet or compliant.
  • The audience was overawed into silence by the virtuoso's performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Overawe (verb): To impress or subdue someone so much that they are silenced or lose confidence.
  • The speaker's presence overawed the crowd.
• Awe (noun/verb): A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
• Awed (adjective): Filled with awe. (Note: "Awed" can be similar but often lacks the strong connotation of being subdued or intimidated that "overawed" carries.)

Synonyms

• Intimidated: Made to feel frightened or nervous.
• Daunted: Made to feel apprehensive or discouraged.
• Cowed: Caused to submit through intimidation.
• Humbled: Made to feel less important or proud.

Antonyms

• Unimpressed: Not feeling admiration or respect.
• Fearless: Lacking fear.
• Confident: Feeling self-assured.

Adjective

1. overcome by a feeling of awe